PhotoFeed Contest - Landscape Photography Round 138 ~Gunongan, Legacy of Sultan Iskandar Muda's Eternal Love

Hello...

In the PhotoFeed Contest - Landscape Photography Round 138 organized by @photofeed, I tried to share a photo about Gunongan, the legacy of the eternal love of Sultan Iskandar Muda. In the heart of Banda Aceh City stands a historic building full of meaning and love stories, namely Gunongan. This unique white building is one of the legacies of the glory of Sultan Iskandar Muda (1607–1636) the greatest ruler in the history of the Sultanate of Aceh Darussalam.

Gunongan was built by Sultan Iskandar Muda as a token of his love and affection for his queen, Putroe Phang (princess of the Pahang Kingdom, Malaysia). The queen is said to have often missed her hometown, which was filled with gardens and small hills. To satisfy this longing, Sultan Iskandar Muda gifted Gunongan a beautiful garden with buildings shaped like small mountains.

This complex was once part of Taman Sari, a vast and magnificent royal garden, a place for the royal family to relax and entertain. Gunongan became not only a symbol of love but also a representation of the greatness and prosperity of Aceh at that time.

Architecturally, Gunongan resembles a mountain, with three levels filled with distinctive ornamentation. The building is painted pure white, symbolizing purity and majesty. It is situated in the middle of a pond, making it even more beautiful with the reflection of the surrounding water. Access to Gunongan is a connecting bridge that was once only accessible to the royal family.

Gunongan is not only a monument to love but also a symbol of the cultural connection between Aceh and the Malay world. Its architectural style reflects a blend of Malay, Islamic, Hindu, and local Acehnese cultures.

As part of the legacy of the Aceh Sultanate, Gunongan stands as a testament to the glory of Islamic civilization in the archipelago. Beneath its romantic story lies a message about the power of diplomacy, unity, and cultural acculturation.

Gunongan is now a popular historical tourist destination in Banda Aceh. Besides its beauty, this place also holds significant educational value, particularly in commemorating the history of Sultan Iskandar Muda and the glory of Aceh Darussalam.

Gunongan is tangible proof that history is not only about war and power, but also about love and affection. This legacy of Sultan Iskandar Muda still stands majestically today, a silent witness to the eternal love of a king for his queen, while also leaving a priceless cultural legacy for future generations.

That concludes my post for this time. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you.