If you’ve ever been to Lombok, you might have noticed something special—mosques are everywhere! From big, beautiful domes in the city to small, traditional prayer houses in quiet villages, mosques are a major part of the island’s landscape and daily life. That’s why Lombok is proudly called “The Island of a Thousand Mosques.”

But where did this nickname come from? And what makes the mosques in Lombok so unique and meaningful? Let’s explore the story behind this special title and discover some of the island’s most historic mosques.

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How the Name “Island of a Thousand Mosques” Began

The story goes back to 1970, when Effendi Zarkasih, a high official from Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, came to Lombok for an official visit. He was there to inaugurate the Jami Mosque in Cakranegara. During his trip, Effendi was amazed by the large number of mosques he saw all over the island.

Impressed and inspired, he spontaneously said, “Lombok is truly the Island of a Thousand Mosques.” And the name stuck!

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Is It Really a Thousand?

Actually, it’s much more than that. According to a study by Taufan Hidjaz, a lecturer at the National Institute of Technology, Lombok has over 8,900 mosques—including around 3,767 big mosques and 5,184 small ones. These are spread across 518 villages on the island.

This shows how strong Islamic culture is in Lombok. The Sasak people, who make up the majority of Lombok’s population, are Muslim. For them, the mosque is more than just a place to pray—it’s a center for community life, learning, and tradition.

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More Than Just Places of Worship

What makes the mosques in Lombok even more interesting is their unique architecture and rich history. Some of the oldest mosques in Lombok have been standing for hundreds of years. Built with natural materials and full of symbolic meaning, these mosques tell stories about the island’s religious journey, especially the early days of Islam on Lombok.

Let’s take a look at a few of these special places.

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1. Bayan Beleq Old Mosque

Located in North Lombok, this mosque is one of the oldest on the island. Locals believe it is almost 300 years old and that it was built by Sunan Giri, an important Islamic figure from Gresik, East Java.

The mosque is made of bamboo walls and has a tiered roof made from grass. It looks just like a traditional house. Today, the mosque is protected as a cultural heritage site and is still used during traditional Islamic ceremonies.

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2. Songak Mosque

The Songak Mosque in East Lombok has a very unique style. Instead of brick, the walls are made from packed earth. The wooden roof beams are decorated with carvings that symbolize the four main schools of Islamic thought. Although the exact date it was built is unknown, experts believe it was constructed around the 14th century.

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3. Karang Bayan Mosque

This mosque is located in the traditional village of Karang Bayan, West Lombok. People say it has been standing for over 400 years. Its raised foundation is made of clay, and it even has a special kitchen that’s still used during religious events, especially for celebrating the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.

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4. Rambitan Mosque

In Central Lombok, you’ll find the Rambitan Mosque, which is believed to have been built during the time of Wetu Telu, a local Islamic tradition that blends religion and culture. The mosque has a pyramid-style roof made from black palm fiber (ijuk) and a bird-shaped ornament on top that locals say can change direction—adding a mystical charm to the place.

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5. Salut Old Mosque

Just like Rambitan, the Salut Mosque is tied to the history of Wetu Telu Islam in Lombok. One of its most unique features is a dragon head carving on the pulpit (where the imam gives sermons). It’s something rarely found in other mosques and gives this one a distinct, almost magical feel.

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Final Thoughts

From ancient village mosques made of bamboo and clay to beautifully decorated prayer halls in every neighborhood, Lombok truly lives up to its name as the Island of a Thousand Mosques. These buildings are more than just places to pray—they are living symbols of faith, culture, and tradition that have been passed down for generations.

So, if you ever find yourself in Lombok, take some time to explore these sacred spaces. You’ll not only see stunning architecture but also gain a deeper understanding of the rich Islamic heritage that shapes daily life on the island.

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