The entire area that covers Central Java, and in particular around Yogyakarta, is often referred to as an Archaeologists dream. Temples and antiquities from the Majapahit and Mataram Kingdoms can be seen across vast plains and in the mountainous areas.
I like to include sacred places such as burial sites when I write about antiquities because in fact, that is what they are, sacred. One such place not far from Yogyakarta at Cengkehan is the Giriloyo Cemetery and extremely important to all Muslims as it is believed to be ‘founded’ around 17 Masehi according to Islam.
Giriloyo Cemetery is the burial site of Prince Juminah who was the nephew of Sultan Agung. In fact, the burial site was actually prepared for the Sultan Agung and his family but it was Prince Juminah who made it there first.
Subsequently the Sultan Agung took the Imogiri cemetery site. The cemetery at Giriloyo is actually in three parts – the West, East and outside complex, the two former being enclosed by a high and thick wall.
Within the Giriloyo Cemetery Complex is a Mosque. There are some interesting features within this mosque and those being the four columns supporting the roof which is tajug in shape, the ceiling being semi-circular, and the floor is made of old green floor tiles.
There is also a pawestren, or, a room for females to pray, located south of the main room. Out front is a delightful veranda overlooking fishponds. The mosque also has an interesting collection - a bedug (tambour) and kentongan (an item used to strike the drum whenever there is a dangerous in the nearby areas). Like most Mosques, there are prayer chambers and specific places to keep coffins as well as holy water.
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