Islamic Aesthetics in the Carvings of the Syekh Ahmad Khatib Al Minangkabawi Grand Mosque, Padang, West Sumatra

This study explores the aesthetic significance of the wood carvings in the Syekh Ahmad Khatib al Minangkabawi Grand Mosque, located in Padang, West Sumatra. The mosque’s intricate decorations exemplify Islamic artistic traditions and provide a unique perspective on how Islamic aesthetics are preserved and transformed in regional Indonesian architecture. This research highlights the relationship between Islamic art, cultural identity, and regional adaptation. The objective is to understand the symbolic meanings, materials, and methods used in the carvings and their connection to broader Islamic aesthetics. Using qualitative research methods, including field observations and document analysis, this study examines the motifs, symbolism, and techniques incorporated into the mosque’s carvings. Findings reveal that the carvings exhibit influences of traditional Minangkabau motifs intertwined with Islamic themes, such as geometric patterns and floral designs, that symbolize unity, faith, and the transcendence of the divine. These elements are not merely decorative but hold spiritual and cultural significance. The study concludes by affirming the role of Islamic art in cultural identity preservation and the importance of recognizing the synergy between local traditions and global Islamic aesthetics. The recommendations include further exploration of the intersection between local and Islamic art traditions to promote cultural heritage awareness and education.