The Character And Beauty Of Indonesian Mosques, Captured By Mohammed Alim

by Alexandra Mansilla

The Character And Beauty Of Indonesian Mosques, Captured By Mohammed Alim

17 Sept 2025

Not so long ago, we spoke with Mohammed Alim, a photographer renowned for his stunning images of mosques — check out the interview here. Raised in Saudi Arabia and now based in Indonesia, he often says that Indonesia is a paradise for anyone who loves to capture the intricate beauty of mosques. What fascinates him most is that no two mosques are alike — each tells a unique story through its domes and minarets. This fascination led him to create a project entirely dedicated to the mosques of the country: Sacred Symmetry: The Domes and Minarets of Indonesia.

So, we asked him — as someone who has seen and photographed thousands of mosques — to choose five that stand out to him and to share the emotions they evoke.

Photo: Mohammed Alim

Masjid Istiqlal, Central Jakarta

Mohammed: "This mosque has been more than just a subject for me. It has shaped the way I see and photograph Islamic architecture. My photos of Istiqlal have brought me awards and nominations, but more importantly, they have deepened my appreciation for the scale and spirit of this place. Even after many visits, I still walk inside and feel the same awe as if it were my first time. It is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, and during Eid, it becomes something unforgettable. The official capacity is 250,000, but when worshippers overflow into the surrounding streets, numbers cannot describe the scene. It turns into a vast sea of people united in prayer, and that memory stays with me every time."

Photo: Mohammed Alim

Masjid Babah Alun, South Jakarta

Mohammed: "This is one of the smallest mosques I have photographed, but its charm lies in its uniqueness. The architecture blends Chinese and Indonesian influences, a reflection of the founder’s background, and creates a design that feels both humble and distinctive. What makes it even more remarkable is its purpose. It was built simply to serve officers working at a nearby toll office. It was never intended to be a landmark or a tourist spot. Yet in its simplicity, it carries character and beauty. For me, it is a reminder that even the most ordinary places can hold something special when they are made with care."

Photo: Mohammed Alim

Masjid Nurul Barkah, Tangerang

Mohammed: "This mosque may appear modest at first, but what makes it stand out is how it comes alive under certain skies. In the early morning, when the blue is deep and clear, the red and white colours of the mosque create a striking contrast. It is located in the administrative area of Jakarta’s international airport, which means it is often quiet. That quietness gives it a calm presence that feels different from larger, more crowded mosques. To me, it is proof that simplicity, when well cared for, can endure and remain beautiful for generations."

Photo: Mohammed Alim

Masjid Raya Al Jabbar, Bandung

Mohammed: "This mosque is unlike anything I have photographed before. It feels both futuristic and monumental, as if the idea of a pyramid was reimagined for the present time. The glass façade climbs from the base to the very top, catching the light at every hour of the day, while the minarets rise beside it with elegance. On the ground, it commands attention, but from above, it transforms completely. Seen from satellite images, it appears as a jewel set right in the middle of Bandung. Photographing it made me realise how daring design can shape not only a skyline but the identity of a whole city."

Photo: Mohammed Alim

Masjid Syarif Abdurrachman, Cirebon

Mohammed: "I first discovered this mosque through photographs online, but visiting it in person was an entirely different experience. The space is completely open, with no doors or windows, only massive pillars supporting the roof and allowing the breeze to flow through. That openness creates an atmosphere that feels both grand and welcoming. The mix of red marble and wooden accents adds a warm balance to its scale, making it both striking and approachable. What fascinated me most was its story. The design and construction were led by a Hindu architect. That fact gives this mosque a layer of meaning that goes beyond architecture. It shows how faith and culture can come together to create something truly memorable."

Photo: Mohammed Alim

by Alexandra Mansilla