Demak – Cradle of Java's Islamic Sultanates
Demak Regency lies on the northern coast of Central Java province, entre Semarang and Kudus. La capitale régionale est Demak town. Demak is l'un des plus important sites in Indonesian Islamic history: Java's first Islamic sultanate was founded here in the 15th siècle, and Masjid Agung Demak is Java's oldest mosquée.
Attractions et activités
Masjid Agung Demak (Grand Mosque of Demak) is Java's first mosquée, built partly by Sunan Kalijaga, l'un des Wali Songo (nine Islamic saints) – the original thék pillars and Javanese Islamic architectural style are unique. The bazaar autour de the mosquée sells religious souvenirs, Javanese textiles and local sweets. The Demak Sultanate Palace Museum displays the sultanate's crowns and weapons. Morosari Beach and Surodadi Beach are calme Java Sea coastlines of villages de pêcheurs – bordered by mangrove forests.
Culture et cuisine
Demak is a deeply religious Javanese community – the sultanate's legacy lives in the synthesis of Islamic practice and Javanese tradition. The Grebeg Besar festival (Mawlid, the Prophet's birthday) is Demak's largest religious celebration. The cuisine is characteristically Central Javanese: nasi gandul (rice with spiced beef stew), lontong tuyuhan, and bandeng presto (pressure-cooked milkfish) are local favourites.
Sécurité publique
Demak is a safe region. You can walk autour de la ville and mosquée area freely la nuit. Currents on Java Sea plages can be strong – do not swim deep. Traffic on the pantura highway is heavy. Medical care is basic locally; Semarang is approximately 30–40 minutes by car.
Informations pratiques
From Semarang Ahmad Yani Airport, approximately 30–40 minutes east by car. Good bus network le long de the pantura highway. The best time to visit is April to October. Accommodation: simple hotels and guesthouses in Demak town.
