Masjid Pekojan, an Old Masjid near a Chinese Quarter

Masjid Pekojan is one of some old Masjid in Semarang City that is hidden in the middle of a quarter. The Masjid is situated near a T-intersection street against the Pekojan main road that commonly known as part of Chinese quarter in Semarang City. From this main road the Masjid could be easily recognized by the existence of its light-green color tower.

Based on history notes, the Masjid is firstly built in the year of 1309 by some Muslim from Pakistan. Major renovation works are already made. Maybe only small part in the Masjid are originated from the past times such as wooden doors (currently painted in turquoise color), decorative transoms over doors and of course the lectern inside the mihrab that is made from teak wood. A number of old graves are also found underneath lush trees in the front courtyard near the main entry gate.

Masjid Sekayu, a Small Masjid in the Middle of Kampong in Semarang City

History notes mention that in the year of 1413 a small simple Masjid have already established on the site where Masjid At-Taqwa currently situated at Kampung Sekayu Semarang. The Masjid is founded by Kyai Kamal during his duty to collect good quality teak wood materials for development of Masjid Demak. Kyai Kamal himself was officially appointed by Sunan Gunung Jati of Cirebon to assist Raden Patah as King of Demak for the development of Masjid Demak.

The name of Kampung Sekayu itself is related with the site during Dutch Colonial Era was known as a place where teak wood raw materials from other towns near Semarang are temporary collected for further trading purposes.

Decorative crowns on main roof top and tower roof top are some of original parts from old Masjid could be retained. Other prominent parts that are retained from the original Masjid are the existence of 4 (four) teak wood pillars in the middle of the Masjid that are currently covered with other new layers of teak wood clad. The Masjid is now vertically expanded and a mezzanine floor is inserted behind double space hall where 4 wooden pillars are situated.

Nowadays, maybe not too easy to find this Masjid in the middle of dense urban  settlement under the shadow of new Mall Building in the center of Semarang City. The existence of its tower with unique decorative crown from the past time maybe can help somebody who trying to find the Masjid.