CULTURAL DESTINATION: THE NORTHERN TOWN SQUARE OF YOGYAKARTA , INDONESIA

The north town square or in the Java language is called Alun-alun Lor is one of the Yogyakarta city land mark in the form of a terrain located in front of the Sultan Palace. Called Northern Square because in the city of Yogyakarta there are two square that is located in the south and north of Yogyakarta Palace. The northern square-shaped square with an area of 150 x 150 meters with two large banyan trees fenced in the middle of the square. Two Big Banyan Trees were each given a name and Kyai Kyai Dewandaru Wijayandaru. In the past around the North town square planted 63 of banyan tree that symbolizes life of Prophet Muhammad.

The Northern Square in the Past

Some sources say that the first surface of the square is a fine sand suitable for the training of the soldiers also to show prowess in front of the Sultan. Sultan and the royal princes in the Siti Hinggil sit, that is the face of the palace that has a higher surface to see the attraction of its soldiers. Alun-alun Lor is also used for "Tapas Pepe ', a form of performance out of people's voices to be heard and the attention of the sultan. Tapas Pepe done in the afternoon heat between two banyan tree by a man who was pleading for justice directly to the Sultan.

Northern Square in 1888

In the past on the east side of the square there is a small pavilion marquee-called shipping. Shipping is used by the regents to stay and relax while overlooking the Sultans.

In ancient times, Alun-alun Lor is a sacred territory in which not just anyone is allowed to enter it. There are rules that must be obeyed if you want to enter, for example, may not use vehicles, shoes, slippers, cane, and develop an umbrella. This is done as a form of homage to the King Palace Ngayogyakarta.

Northern Square as Public Space

Unlike today, Northern Square (Alun-alun Lor) became a public space that can be used by everyone. Here you can find a variety of vendors around the square from morning until night. At certain times, such as the Fair Sekaten, Grebeg Maulud Celebration of the Prophet, and the other palace ceremonies, Alun-alun Lor to manifest as a place that is bustling and crowded with many people because these events are always held in this square. Another regular event held here this is a cultural art performances, music concerts, fairs, bicycle relaxed, and other activities.

Grebeg ceremonial

Sekaten celebration

In Yogyakarta there is a culture that until now still continue to be preserved is Sekaten. Organized to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad who was born on 12 Maulud or Mulud in the third month in Java. Held on the date of 6 to 12 in the same month. Celebrations sekaten include "Sekaten Sepisan" and closed with "Grebeg" on page Great Mosque of Yogyakarta or often referred to as Mosque Gedhe Kauman. Sekaten is a symbol of togetherness that is identified with the palace and its people.

Sekaten taken from the spoken word sentence "Creed". Terms Creed, which is pronounced as Syahadatain is then gradually changed in pronunciation, making it Syakatain and eventually became the term "Sekaten" until now. But in their origins than syahadatain, said sekaten also taken from some other word.

sekaten

THE ORIGINS OF SEKATEN

The Sekaten's Night Market

Starting from the time of the Kingdom of Demak, the first Islamic kingdom in Java that stood after the collapse of the Majapahit Kingdom in 1400 Saka or 1478 AD. The end of the Majapahit Empire also ended the Hindu kingdom in Java under the rule of King Brawijaya V. Demak, the first king was Raden Patah who bear the title of Sultan Officer. As the King of Islam, Raden Patah was always trying to broadcast the Islamic religion throughout the country. But most people already attached to the teachings of Hinduism so Raden Patah trying to urge people to convert to Islam and believe in the truth of Islam. Then Raden Patah also held a meeting with the Wali Songo, such as Sunan Ampel, Sunan Gresik, Sunan Giri, Sunan Bonang, Sunan Kudus, Sunan Muria, Sunan Kalijaga, Sunan Drajat and Sunan Gunung Jati. Meeting anatar Raden Patah and Wali Songo discussed about how to spread the teachings of Islam began from the land of Java. From that meeting Sunan Kalijaga have suggested about how the spread of Islam to be accepted by a society that long ago had embraced Hinduism.

Travel to the Northern Town Square is very easy because it is situated in the center of Yogyakarta city with easy access to get there. If you're from the st. Malioboro, then go straight to the south past the intersection zero kilo meters. The distance from the intersection of zero kilo meters to the Northern Town Square is about 100 meters. Visiting the Northern Square , a time also to visit the sights around him: Sultan Palace, Mosque Gedhe, Wijilan Gudeg centers, tourist centers Malioboro, as well as Fort Vredeburg.