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Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Istiqlal Mosque: Architecture, History, and Significance

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The Istiqlal Mosque: Architecture, History, and Significance Study Guide

Founding and Historical Context

Before the Istiqlal Mosque was built, the site was primarily a large public library.

Answer: False

Explanation: The site where the Istiqlal Mosque was constructed was previously occupied by Wilhelmina Park and the 19th-century Citadel Prins Frederik, not a large public library.

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The construction of the Istiqlal Mosque took approximately 10 years to complete.

Answer: False

Explanation: The construction of the Istiqlal Mosque took 17 years to complete, from the laying of the foundation stone in 1961 to its official opening in 1978.

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What historical structure was located on the site before the Istiqlal Mosque was constructed?

Answer: The Citadel Prins Frederik

Explanation: Before the construction of the Istiqlal Mosque, the site was occupied by Wilhelmina Park and the 19th-century Citadel Prins Frederik.

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How long did the construction of the Istiqlal Mosque take from the laying of the foundation stone?

Answer: 17 years

Explanation: The construction of the Istiqlal Mosque took 17 years, commencing with the laying of the foundation stone in 1961 and concluding with its inauguration in 1978.

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Architecture and Design

President Sukarno was the primary architect responsible for designing the Istiqlal Mosque.

Answer: False

Explanation: President Sukarno was appointed as the technical chief supervisor for the mosque's construction, but the architect selected through a design competition was Friedrich Silaban.

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The Istiqlal Mosque has twelve entrances, each named after a different prophet.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Istiqlal Mosque has seven entrances, named after the 99 Names of Allah (Al-Asmaul-Husna), not twelve named after prophets.

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The Istiqlal Mosque features multiple minarets, a common feature in large mosques.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Istiqlal Mosque features a single minaret, which symbolizes the oneness of God (Tawhid), rather than multiple minarets.

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A 'bedug', a large wooden drum, is located on the northern side of the mosque.

Answer: False

Explanation: A 'bedug', a large wooden drum, is located on the southern side of the Istiqlal Mosque complex, near the minaret.

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Plasma TVs are installed in the mosque to display Quranic verses during prayers.

Answer: False

Explanation: Plasma TVs are installed in the main prayer hall to ensure pilgrims can clearly follow the preacher's message, not specifically to display Quranic verses.

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The garden surrounding the mosque features a fountain that operates continuously day and night.

Answer: False

Explanation: The grand fountain in the garden operates primarily on Fridays and Islamic holidays, not continuously day and night.

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The architectural style of the Istiqlal Mosque is primarily traditional Islamic, with no modern influences.

Answer: False

Explanation: The architectural style of the Istiqlal Mosque incorporates modern influences, including elements of New Formalism and the International Style, rather than being solely traditional Islamic.

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Who was the architect selected through a design competition for the Istiqlal Mosque?

Answer: Friedrich Silaban

Explanation: Friedrich Silaban was selected as the architect for the Istiqlal Mosque through a design competition.

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How many entrances does the Istiqlal Mosque have?

Answer: Seven

Explanation: The Istiqlal Mosque features seven entrances, each named after one of the 99 Names of Allah (Al-Asmaul-Husna).

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Why was the initial plan to use Italian marble for the interior changed?

Answer: To reduce costs and support the local Indonesian marble industry.

Explanation: The initial plan to use Italian marble for the interior was changed to reduce costs and to support the local Indonesian marble industry, utilizing materials from Tulungagung.

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What is a 'bedug' and where is it located within the Istiqlal Mosque complex?

Answer: A large wooden drum; on the southern side near the minaret.

Explanation: A 'bedug' is a large wooden drum traditionally used in Indonesia for the call to prayer; at Istiqlal Mosque, it is located on the southern side near the minaret.

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What is the function of the plasma TV system installed in the main prayer hall?

Answer: To allow pilgrims to follow the preacher's message clearly.

Explanation: The plasma TV system in the main prayer hall ensures that all pilgrims can clearly follow the preacher's message, even if they are not in direct line of sight.

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Which architectural styles are mentioned as influences on the Istiqlal Mosque's design?

Answer: New Formalism and International Style

Explanation: The architectural design of the Istiqlal Mosque is influenced by New Formalism and the International Style.

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What is inscribed on the main wall on the qibla side, besides the mihrab and minbar?

Answer: Arabic calligraphy of Allah, Muhammad, and a Surah Thaha verse

Explanation: On the main wall facing the qibla, there is Arabic calligraphy spelling the name of Allah on the right, Muhammad on the left, and the 14th verse of Surah Thaha in the center, alongside the mihrab and minbar.

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Symbolism and Meaning

The name 'Istiqlal' translates to 'mosque' in Arabic.

Answer: False

Explanation: The name 'Istiqlal' is derived from an Arabic word meaning 'independence,' not 'mosque.' The mosque's name directly commemorates Indonesian independence.

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The 45-meter diameter of the mosque's main dome symbolizes the year Indonesia proclaimed its independence.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 45-meter diameter of the main dome is a symbolic representation of 1945, the year Indonesia proclaimed its independence.

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The five floors of the main prayer hall building symbolize the Five Pillars of Islam and Pancasila.

Answer: True

Explanation: The five floors of the main prayer hall building are symbolically representative of both the Five Pillars of Islam and Pancasila, the foundational philosophy of Indonesia.

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The 30-meter high pinnacle on the minaret represents the 30 days of fasting during Ramadan.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 30-meter high pinnacle on the minaret symbolizes the 30 juz' (sections) of the Quran, not the 30 days of fasting during Ramadan.

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What is the primary symbolic meaning of the name 'Istiqlal'?

Answer: Independence

Explanation: The name 'Istiqlal' is derived from an Arabic word meaning 'independence,' directly commemorating the national achievement of Indonesian independence.

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The diameter of the main dome is 45 meters. What does the number 45 symbolize?

Answer: The year of Indonesian Independence (1945)

Explanation: The 45-meter diameter of the main dome symbolizes the year 1945, the year of the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence.

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What do the twelve columns supporting the central dome symbolize?

Answer: The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad

Explanation: The twelve columns supporting the central dome are interpreted to symbolize the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, traditionally celebrated in the 12th month of Rabi' al-awwal.

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The five floors of the main prayer hall building symbolize both the Five Pillars of Islam and what other foundational concept?

Answer: Pancasila (Indonesian foundational philosophy)

Explanation: The five floors of the main prayer hall building symbolize both the Five Pillars of Islam and Pancasila, the foundational philosophical theory of Indonesia.

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The mosque has only one minaret. What does this single structure symbolize?

Answer: The oneness of God (Tawhid)

Explanation: The single minaret of the Istiqlal Mosque symbolizes the absolute oneness of God, a core tenet of Islam known as Tawhid.

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What does the 30-meter high stainless steel pinnacle atop the minaret symbolize?

Answer: The 30 juz' (sections) of the Quran

Explanation: The 30-meter high stainless steel pinnacle atop the minaret symbolizes the 30 juz' (sections) of the Quran.

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National and Religious Significance

The Istiqlal Mosque is the largest religious building in Southeast Asia.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Istiqlal Mosque holds the distinction of being the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

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The Istiqlal Mosque has never been the target of any security incidents.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Istiqlal Mosque has been the target of security incidents, including a bomb explosion near the mimbar in 1978 and a bomb attack in the basement in 1999.

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The Istiqlal Mosque has a total worshipper capacity of just over 100,000 people.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Istiqlal Mosque has a total worshipper capacity of approximately 200,001 people, significantly more than 100,000.

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The visit of U.S. President Barack Obama led to a decrease in tourism at the mosque.

Answer: False

Explanation: The visit of U.S. President Barack Obama in 2010 led to an increase in tourism at the mosque, not a decrease.

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Which of the following was NOT a security incident that occurred at the Istiqlal Mosque?

Answer: A fire in the main prayer hall in 1985.

Explanation: The source details a bomb explosion in 1978 and a bomb attack in 1999 as security incidents; a fire in the main prayer hall in 1985 is not mentioned.

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How many worshippers can the Istiqlal Mosque accommodate in total?

Answer: Approximately 200,001

Explanation: The Istiqlal Mosque has a total worshipper capacity of approximately 200,001, distributed across various areas including the main prayer hall, balconies, and corridors.

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What was the impact of Barack Obama's 2010 visit on tourism to the Istiqlal Mosque?

Answer: It led to a significant increase in daily tourist visits.

Explanation: Following the visit of U.S. President Barack Obama in 2010, the Istiqlal Mosque experienced a notable increase in daily tourist visits.

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The Istiqlal Mosque ranks globally in terms of worshipper capacity based on information from the source. What is its rank?

Answer: Ninth largest

Explanation: Based on its worshipper capacity, the Istiqlal Mosque ranks as the ninth largest mosque globally.

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Interfaith Relations and Tolerance

The Istiqlal Mosque is located adjacent to the Jakarta Cathedral and Immanuel Church to symbolize religious harmony.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Istiqlal Mosque's proximity to the Jakarta Cathedral and Immanuel Church is intentionally designed to symbolize religious harmony and tolerance within Indonesia.

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The 'Tunnel of Friendship' connects the Istiqlal Mosque to the Immanuel Church.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Tunnel of Friendship' (Terowongan Silaturahmi) connects the Istiqlal Mosque to the St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral (Jakarta Cathedral), not the Immanuel Church.

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Pope Francis visited the Istiqlal Mosque in 2024 and described it as a symbol of religious extremism.

Answer: False

Explanation: During his 2024 visit, Pope Francis described the Istiqlal Mosque as proof of the presence of religious moderation in Indonesia, not religious extremism.

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The mosque demonstrates religious tolerance by offering parking for Muslim worshippers during Friday prayers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The mosque demonstrates religious tolerance by providing parking for worshippers of the nearby Jakarta Cathedral during Christian celebrations, not by offering parking for Muslim worshippers during Friday prayers.

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The Istiqlal Mosque has hosted Hebrew language courses to promote interfaith understanding.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Istiqlal Mosque has hosted Hebrew language courses as part of its initiatives to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding.

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Which of the following buildings is located adjacent to the Istiqlal Mosque, symbolizing religious harmony?

Answer: The Jakarta Cathedral

Explanation: The Jakarta Cathedral, a Catholic church, is located adjacent to the Istiqlal Mosque, symbolizing religious harmony in Indonesia.

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The 'Tunnel of Friendship' (Terowongan Silaturahmi) is designed to connect the Istiqlal Mosque with which other religious building?

Answer: St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral (Jakarta Cathedral)

Explanation: The 'Tunnel of Friendship' (Terowongan Silaturahmi) is designed to connect the Istiqlal Mosque with the St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral (Jakarta Cathedral).

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During his 2024 visit, Pope Francis described the Istiqlal Mosque as proof of what quality present in Indonesia?

Answer: Religious moderation

Explanation: During his 2024 visit, Pope Francis described the Istiqlal Mosque as concrete proof of the presence of religious moderation in Indonesia.

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The Istiqlal Mosque demonstrates religious tolerance by providing parking for worshippers attending Christian celebrations, such as Christmas, at the nearby Jakarta Cathedral.

Answer: Jakarta Cathedral

Explanation: The Istiqlal Mosque demonstrates religious tolerance by providing parking facilities for worshippers of the nearby Jakarta Cathedral during their religious celebrations.

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The Istiqlal Mosque offers Hebrew language courses primarily to achieve what goal?

Answer: To promote interfaith dialogue and understanding

Explanation: The offering of Hebrew language courses at the Istiqlal Mosque is primarily aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue and fostering mutual understanding between different religious communities.

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Modern History and Renovations

A major renovation of the Istiqlal Mosque was completed in 2015.

Answer: False

Explanation: A major renovation of the Istiqlal Mosque was completed between May 2019 and July 2020, not in 2015.

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In 2022, the Istiqlal Mosque was certified as the world's first green building.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2022, the Istiqlal Mosque received EDGE certification, recognizing it as the world's first green building.

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Environmental initiatives at the mosque include the installation of solar panels and a water recycling system.

Answer: True

Explanation: Environmental initiatives at the Istiqlal Mosque include the installation of solar panels and a water recycling system, contributing to its recognition as a green building.

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What significant environmental certification did the Istiqlal Mosque receive in 2022?

Answer: EDGE certification (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies)

Explanation: In 2022, the Istiqlal Mosque received EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification, recognizing it as the world's first green building.

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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an environmental initiative at the Istiqlal Mosque?

Answer: Use of exclusively biodegradable cleaning products

Explanation: While solar panels and a water recycling system are mentioned environmental initiatives, the use of exclusively biodegradable cleaning products is not specified in the provided information.

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Key Figures and Inauguration

Istiqlal Mosque was officially opened to the public in 1961, the same year its foundation stone was laid.

Answer: False

Explanation: The foundation stone was laid in 1961, but the mosque was officially opened to the public in 1978, not 1961.

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The Istiqlal Mosque was inaugurated by President Sukarno.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Istiqlal Mosque was officially inaugurated as the national mosque by President Suharto, not President Sukarno.

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Who officially inaugurated the Istiqlal Mosque as the national mosque?

Answer: President Suharto

Explanation: President Suharto officially inaugurated the Istiqlal Mosque as the national mosque on February 22, 1978.

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