BESUT: The Eight Dome Mosque in Kampung Lapan Kotak in Jerteh, Terengganu here dubbed the Russian Mosque because of its architecture which resembles St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, Russia, is now a public attraction.
Standing in the paddy field area in the middle of the village, the construction of the mosque initiated by Besut MP Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh about six years ago is now among the iconic mosques that has become the focus of people at home and abroad.
The Eight Dome Mosque’s deputy chairman, Wan Ahmad Wan Yaacob, 64, or better known as ‘Bilal Edi’, said the uniqueness of the mosque’s architecture with the colourful combination of the domes has attracted visitors non-stop since last year when it was used for Aidilfitri prayers.
“There are those who come from the north of the country not only to see the mosque but also with the intention to pray in a mosque that resembles one of the most celebrated landmarks in Europe. The existence of this mosque has also popularised the name of the village,” he told Bernama, adding that he had been a muezzin at the village mosque for the past 30 years.
The mosque built at a cost of RM4 million through public donations was actually meant to replace the previous wooden mosque that was over 100 years old.
“Although not fully completed, the new mosque was used for the first time for last year’s Aidilfitri prayers because the village has no mosque that can accommodate a large congregation at a time.
“Currently, only five per cent of the mosque is yet to be fully completed, namely a portion of the ablution area and part of the roof in the front of the mosque for which we need about RM50,000 to complete,” he said.
Built using 100 per cent local workforce and architects, the mosque built on a 0.6 hectare former paddy field can accommodate 500 people at one time.
“Before this, during Aidilfitri and Aidiladha, we were worried when we saw the villagers, especially those who return to the village, feeling frustrated when they could not perform the solat prayers at the mosque because the old mosque could not accommodate a large congregation,” he said.
Commenting on the locals reception to the mosque’s design, Wan Ahmad said he was grateful for the positive response from the people, especially the younger generation who described it as classical and contemporary design closely intertwined, thus attracting more people to worship at the unique mosque.
“As the mosque is now one of the landmarks of the village, the mosque management is planning to allocate a special corner to place information and materials displaying the ancient history of the old mosque.
“There is a 50 year old drum that is used to summon the villagers every prayer time which will also be displayed in that corner,” he said.
Meanwhile, a visitor, E’ani Basirah Ahmad, 27, from Perak said she was fascinated with the beauty of the mosque on first seeing it. — BERNAMA