The Shahab mosque
The Arab-descended sultanate's mosque.
The great mosque of the Siak sultanate, about five hundred metres from its palace, built between 1926 and 1935 under Sultan Syarif Kasim II, the last sultan of Siak. It bears the name of the Shahab family, the Arab dynasty that ruled the sultanate, and is today a protected heritage site as well as a working mosque. The mosque is elegant in Malay style, with a dome, a minaret and arches, and inside a carved wooden pulpit with fine ornament and Arabic inscriptions, and a calm prayer hall. Beside it lies the tomb of Sultan Syarif Kasim II and his family; he gave up his sultanate and its wealth to the Indonesian republic and is honoured today as a national hero. Entry is free, and the mosque serves daily and Friday prayers. Non-Muslims visit outside prayer times in modest dress, and quiet is asked for at the tomb. Combine it with Siak Palace on a day trip from Pekanbaru, pray the midday or afternoon prayer here, then stroll along the Siak River in the quiet town.
The Arab-descended sultanate's mosque.
Ornament and Arabic inscriptions.
The last sultan of Siak.
Jalan Sultan Ismail, Siak, near the palace
Yes, the tomb of Sultan Syarif Kasim II beside the mosque is open to visitors, with quiet, respect and proper grave-visiting etiquette.
