Brilio.net/en - People are slowly coming back from their Idul Fitri festivities and to mark the occasion we thought wed highlight a special place for religious holidays to mark the end of Ramadan: Madura Island.
Madura, which sits off the northeastern coast of Java. is full of historical sites and old tombs, known locally as Buju, and burial complexes or Pasarean. Many belong to wandering ulemas and kyai (Islamic teachers) who spread Islam on the island hundreds of years ago. The landscape is also dotted with the final resting places of Maduras old kings.
Here are the eight most visited tombs on The Island of Salt:
1. Makam Syaikhona Kholil
Raden Kyai Haji Kholil, also known as Mbah Kholil, was the teacher of Hasyim Asyari - the founding father of Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesias biggest Islamic organization with over 50 million members. Radens tomb can be found inside a mosque in Mertajasah, Bangkalan.
2. Batu Ampar
An ulema named Syaikh Abdul Manan is buried in the cemetery located in Proppo Barat, Pamekasan.
3. Asta Tinggi
This is a burial place for kings and royal families located in Kebon Agung Sumenep. The beautiful architecture and entrance draw visitors every year.
4. Aeng Matah Ebuh (Mothers tears)
This tomb complex of royal officials can be found in Bangkalan.
5. Syekh Yusuf Talango
Visiting the tomb of this famous Ulema requires a 15-minute ferry from Kalianget port at the eastern end of Madura.
6. Sunan Cendana
It might be not as famous as Mbah Kolils tomb or Batu Ampar, but for people in Bangkalan, especially those living in Kwanyar, Sunan Cendanas tomb is a place theyll always see when they pulang kampung.
7. Masjid Agung Sumenep
Located in the heart of Sumenep city, this mosque has Chinese influences in its design, hearkening back to the ancient Muslim merchants from Chinas western provinces who came to Indonesia.
Bonus! Keraton Sumenep
I know I know, its not a tomb, but you cant do a list of historical sites in Madura without mentioning Keraton Sumenep. The palace, which is pretty close to Masjid Agung, has plenty of artefacts from the heyday of Sumeneps kings.
(brl/red)
