Indigenous Local Javanese in Islamic Culture: An Iconography Study of The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as An Icon of Javanese Islam in Solo City, Central Java, Indonesia

This study is motivated by the phenomenon of integrating local culture with global Islamic values, which has become increasingly prominent in the development of mosque architecture in Indonesia. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Solo serves as a significant representation of this acculturation process, as it combines Middle Eastern architectural styles with Javanese cultural elements in both its iconography and religious activities. The presence of this mosque functions not only as a center of worship but also as a symbol of cultural diplomacy and the reinforcement of an inclusive Islamic identity. In this context, the study seeks to explore how Javanese indigenous traditions are articulated in both the physical and symbolic aspects of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and how this reflects the encounter between transnational Islam and Javanese local wisdom. The objective of this research is to analyze the representation of Javanese iconography in the architectural design and religious activities of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, as well as to describe its role as an Islam-Javanese icon in the city of Solo. A qualitative descriptive method was employed, combining iconographic and visual ethnographic approaches. Data were collected through direct observation, visual documentation, and in-depth interviews with mosque administrators, religious leaders, and local community members. The analysis focused on identifying architectural symbols, ornaments, and cultural practices that indicate the integration of local values. The findings reveal that the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque demonstrates a synthesis of modern Islamic architecture with Javanese cultural elements, such as batik motifs in interior ornaments, spatial layouts inspired by Javanese cosmology, and socio-religious activities that accommodate local traditions. The mosque functions as a space for cultural dialogue, a symbol of Islamic inclusivity, and a medium for preserving local values within the framework of Islam. Thus, the mosque stands as a significant icon representing Islam-Javanese identity in the era of globalization.