KOTA GEDE

Kotagede is a mute witness of the growth of Islamic Mataram Kingdom which once ruled nearly the entire island of Java. The tomb of the founder of the Islamic Mataram Kingdom, the ruins of fortress walls, and other relics can be found in Kotagede.



Kotagede, Silent Witness The establishment of the Islamic Mataram Kingdom (16th century)

In the 8th century, the territory of Mataram (now called Yogyakarta) is central to the Hindu Mataram Kingdom which controlled the whole island of Java. The kingdom was to have prosperity and civilization incredible to be able to build the ancient temples with magnificent architecture, such as the Prambanan Temple and the Temple of Borobudur. But in the 10th century, the kingdom somehow move the central administration to the East Java region. Its people in droves leaving Mataram and slowly the region back into dense forest.

Six centuries later the island of Java under the authority of the Sultanate Pajang based in Central Java. Sultan Hadiwijaya then ruling to award Alas Mentaok (base = forest) wide to Ki Gede archery for its success in conquering the enemy kingdom. Ki Gede archery along with his family and his followers then moved to Mentaok Alas, a forest which is actually a former Hindu kingdom of Mataram first.

A small village which was founded Ki Gede archery in the woods began to prosper. After Ki Gede archery died, he was succeeded by his son who holds Senapati Ingalaga. Under the wise leadership of Senapati village grew into an increasingly crowded cities and prosperous, until called Kotagede (= large city). Senapati and then build a fort in (Cepuri) that surrounds the palace and fortress outside (baluwarti) surrounding the urban area of ​​± 200 ha. Outer side of both the castle is also equipped with a wide moat like river.

Meantime, in Empire Pajang occurred seizure Hadiwijaya throne after the death of Sultan. Crown prince named Prince Benawa removed by Arya Pangiri. Prince Benawa then ask for help because the government Senapati Aryan Pangiri judged unfair and detrimental to the people Pajang. War ensued. Arya Pangiri successfully conquered his life but was pardoned by Senapati. Prince then offered the throne Pajang Benawa to Senapati but rejected by fine. A year later Prince Benawa died but he had ordered that Pajang led by Senapati. Since then Senapati became the first king of Mataram Islam Panembahan title. He did not want to wear the title of Sultan in honor of Prince Sultan Hadiwijaya and Benawa. The palace is situated in Kotagede reign.

Next Panembahan Senapati expand Islamic Mataram kingdom's territory down to the Pati, Madiun, Kediri and Pasuruan. Senapati Panembahan died in 1601 and was buried in Kotagede adjacent to the tomb of his father. Kingdom of Mataram Islam then controlled almost the entire island of Java (except Banten and Batavia) and reached peak prominence under the leadership of the king to-3, namely Sultan Agung (grandson Panembahan Senapati). In 1613, Sultan Agung move the center of the kingdom to the Karta (near Plered) and ended the era of Kotagede as a center of Islamic Mataram kingdom.
Heritage History

In subsequent developments Kotagede still crowded even though it was no longer a royal capital. The historical legacies such as the tomb of the founder of the kingdom, Kotagede mosques, traditional houses with typical Javanese architecture, township toponyms that still uses the ancient city planning, to the ruins of the fort can be found in Kotagede.

Market Kotagede

Tata Javanese royal city usually puts the palace, the plaza and market in south axis - north. Book Nagarakertagama written during the Majapahit Kingdom (14th century) mentions that this pattern has been used at the time. Traditional markets have existed since the time Panembahan Senopati still active until now. Every morning legi in Javanese calendar, seller, buyer, and the cornucopia of merchandise in this market. The building had been rehabilitated, but its position has not changed. If you want to wander in Kotagede, you can start from this market then walk southward toward the tomb, the ruins of the citadel, and the banyan brackets.
Founder of the Kingdom of the Tomb Complex

Walk 100 meters to the south of Market Kotagede, we will find the tomb complex of the founders of the Islamic Mataram kingdom surrounded by high walls and sturdy. The gate to the tomb complex is a characteristic of Hindu architecture. Each gate has a thick wooden doors and decorated with beautiful carvings. Some dressed in traditional Javanese courtiers keeping this complex 24 hours a day.

We will pass through three gates before reaching the last gate that led to building the tomb. To get into the tomb, we had to wear traditional Javanese clothes (can be rented there). Visitors are only allowed into the tomb on Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday at 8:00 to 16:00. To maintain the honor of the founder of the Mataram kingdom which was buried here, visitors are prohibited from shooting / carrying cameras and wearing gold jewelry in tomb building. Important figures are buried here include: Sultan Hadiwiijaya, Ki Gede archery, Panembahan Senopati, and his family.
Kotagede Mosque

Wandering into Kotagede would not be complete if it did not visit Kotagede Mosque, the oldest mosque in Yogyakarta, which was still in the tomb complex. After that it could not hurt to walk down a narrow alley behind the wall that surrounds the tomb complex to see the full architecture and daily life Kotagede community.
Traditional Houses

Just across the street from the front of the tomb complex, we can see a traditional Javanese house. But if want to walk 50 meters to the south, we will see a gate cavity wall with a low and placard that reads "cultural heritage". Get inside, there you will see traditional houses Kotagede still well maintained and fully functioning as a dwelling house.
Kedhaton

Walk south a little longer, you will see 3 banyan tree right in the middle of the road. In the center there is a small building that holds the "watu Bright", a square black stone surfaces are arranged in a circle inscription: ITA MOVENTUR Mundu S - AINSI VA LE MONDE - Z00 GAAT DE WERELD - IL Mondo COSI VAN. Outside the circle AD There is writing ATERN AM Memoriam INFELICS - FORTUNA IN CONSOERTES DIGNI VALETE QUIDSTPERIS INSANI VIDETE IGNARI RIDETE ET, Vos CONTEMNITE CONSTEMTU - IGM (In Glorium Maximam). I do not know what that means, maybe you can interpret it for us?

In the building there are also "watu cantheng", three balls made of straw-colored stone. Local people suspect that the "ball" that stone is a toy son Panembahan Senapati. But it is also possible that the object was actually an ancient cannon fodder.
Castle Ruins

Panembahan Senopati built forts in (Cepuri) complete with a moat around the palace, the extent of approximately 400 x 400 meters. The ruins of the original fort can still be seen in the southwest and southeast corner. 4 foot thick walls made of large stone blocks. While the rest of the moat can be seen on the east, south and west.

Take a stroll down the Kotagede will enrich insights relevant history of Islamic Mataram Kingdom has ever triumphed in Java. In addition, you also can see from the close community life that hundreds of years ago was in the fortress sturdy.

Unlike other tourist areas, local residents have a typical Javanese hospitality, manners, and not too commercial. In Kotagede, you will not be disturbed hawkers who like forcing (hawkers). It's a little surprising, or rather enjoyable. Who is also a need hawkers who like force?


Hotels near Kotagede:

HOTEL BIFA
WISMA MARTHA
HOTEL Cinka Garini

Travel agents to Kotagede:

ChaCha TOUR & TRAVEL
BePe TOUR
BEST Travelnet
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PUSAKA TOUR
GRAND JAVA
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