Carved markers
With Arabic script and verses.
HaidirAndiNovianto — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Lim Natee — CC BY 4.0 · Lim Natee — CC BY 4.0 · Lim Natee — CC BY 4.0
A broad old Islamic cemetery on a hill near Barus, spreading over about three hectares and holding more than two hundred stone grave markers carved with Arabic script, verses and ornament, one of the most important sites of Islamic history in Indonesia, visited by officials, scholars and pilgrims. Opinions differ on its age: some locals hold that one stone bears a date from the first Islamic century, while most historians place the majority of the stones between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries AD. Either way it is rare evidence of a Muslim community that lived in this port centuries ago, some stones in the style of those of Aceh and southern Arabia. The visit is free, and the cemetery is fenced and tidy among the trees, with panels explaining its history. Be respectful and quiet, and do not touch the old stones. The site is minutes from central Barus and the Kilometre Zero monument, so combine them with the Papan Tinggi tomb in half a day.
With Arabic script and verses.
In the camphor port.
Between tradition and history.
Mahligai hill, north of Barus, Central Tapanuli
That is a popular local view, but most historians date most of the stones from the thirteenth century on. Either way the site is among the oldest evidence of Islam in the archipelago.