In the heart of Tulang Bawang Barat’s Islamic Center in Lampung stands a structure that quietly challenges our expectations of mosque architecture. The As Sobur Mosque, designed with symbolic depth and cultural reverence, is not just a house of worship—it is an architectural expression of faith, heritage, and meaning.
One Form, Many Meanings
Most mosques around the world feature a dome and a minaret as separate elements—the dome for the prayer hall, the minaret to call the faithful to prayer. But As Sobur breaks away from that mold by fusing both into a single vertical form. The result is a striking monolithic tower that serves both functionally and symbolically as the heart of the mosque.
This bold approach gives the mosque a clean, modern silhouette while still preserving the sacredness and spiritual significance of traditional mosque forms. It's a design that invites contemplation, not only in prayer but in the very structure itself.
Numerology in Sacred Space
The mosque is rich with Islamic numerological references, embedding layers of spiritual meaning into its architecture. The tower stands 30 meters tall, a direct reference to the 30 juz (sections) of the Qur’an. At the top, 99 light openings pierce the structure, representing the 99 names of Allah—each one believed to reflect a different aspect of divine nature.
These aren’t just numbers; they’re architectural choices meant to deepen the spiritual experience. Worshippers entering the mosque are quite literally surrounded by symbols of their faith, rendered in structure and light.
Carving Culture Into Concrete
More than just a spiritual space, As Sobur Mosque pays homage to Lampung’s local identity. The walls of the mosque are adorned with carvings of traditional Lampung script, a rare and meaningful gesture in modern public architecture. This thoughtful detail anchors the building not just in faith, but in place, reminding visitors of the region’s rich cultural roots.
Vertical Spirituality
In Islamic teachings, the relationship between humanity and God—habluminallah—is often understood as a vertical connection. And that spiritual orientation is echoed in the very shape of the mosque. Its upward-reaching massing doesn’t just house worship; it embodies worship. The soaring structure mirrors the act of looking skyward in prayer, a silent yet powerful architectural metaphor for seeking divine closeness.
