BARUS KOTA TUA

Barus is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia and is well known worldwide. Because in the 6th century AD (AD) this city is known for forest products such as kampar and kemenyan. The name of this city has even emerged in the history of Malay civilization during the Hamzah Fansuri which was a famous mystic poet all over the world at that time. A small town located 75 kilometers (Km) from Sibolga City and 359 Km from Medan City still holds a myriad of ancient mysteries and cemeteries there that might uncover the mystery. However, this mystery became the main attraction for historians and archaeologists both from within the country and abroad.

 The reason, the title of the city is believed to be the first entrance of Islam and Christianity in the archipelago still continue to get controversy and debate from experts historians and archaeologists. Where and who and where Islam was first introduced in this archipelago. Because, historical sites in this old city have not been able to answer all the arguments and hypotheses and theories that have been conveyed and put forward by the historians and archaeologists. Based on the book Nuchbatuddar Addimasqi writing, Barus mentioned the early area of entry of Islam around the 7th century. This is evidenced by the old tomb in the cemetery complex of Mahligai, Barus who was stoned by written Syekh Rukunuddin died in 672 AD or 48 Hijriah, strengthening the existence of Muslim community in this area at that era. While the Council of Churches in Indonesia also believed since the year 645 AD in the area of ​​Barus has entered Christians from the Nestorian sect. The belief is based on an ancient book by Shaikh Abu Salih al-Armini. Meanwhile, the Armenian explorer Mabousahl notes that in the 12th century there has been the Nestorian Church. The latest research, conducted by a team of archaeologists from French Ecole Francaise D'extreme-Orient (EFEO) in collaboration with researchers from the National Archaeological Research Center (PPAN) in Lobu Tua - Barus in 1995 - 1999 associated Barus city of history where the entry of religion Islam first in Indonesia.

 Makam Syeh Mahmud 

 From the results of the research team was proposed that at around the 9th century AD, Barus City has become a multi-ethnic village of various tribes such as Arab, Aceh, India, China, Tamil, Javanese, Batak, Minangkabau, Bugis, Bengkulu, and etc. This is conveyed on the discovery of a number of high quality objects that have been estimated for hundreds of years. This signifies that the life in the Barus was very prosperous. In Barus and beyond, many Islamic traders comprising Arabs, Acehnese, and so on live in affluence.

 They have a good position and considerable influence in society and government (Sriwijaya Buddhist Kingdom). Even then there are also who took power in a number of airports. They are many friendly, also family with kings, dukes, or other Srivijaya rulers. They are often counselors of the king, duke, or local ruler. More and more people are converting to Islam. There was even King, Duke, or local ruler who finally converted to Islam. However, this team can not conclusively conclude, who and from which the first person who brought Islam into the area.

Because of the results of their research on tombstones from the tombs of Islamic broadcasters in the Mahligai Tomb and the High Board in the area, there is only writing of Arabic Calligraphy which explains certain characteristics of China, India and Persia. However, whatever the story, the surrounding area of ​​Barus is the main attraction. Judging from all aspects, this area has enormous potential in addition to having a historical tourist attraction in the form of ancient tombs (Tomb of Mahligai and Papan Tinggi) and Portuguese Fort, also has tourism potential. The maritime tourism sector and other natural beauty is a prima donna owned by Barus.

Tomb of Mahligai located in Aek Dakka Village. This Mahligai tomb is a historic grave of Syeh Rukunuddin and Syeh Usuluddin which signify the entry of Islam first to Indonesia in the VII century AD for example. This cemetery is about 7 meters long decorated by some distinctive and unique tombstones with Arabic inscription, Tarikh 48 H and Tomb of Mahligai is a Religious Tourism Object for Muslims. Then Tomb High Board located in Pananggahan Village, North Barus District.

In the Tomb known as the Tomb of Aulia 44 or also known as Lord Tump is Shaykh Mahmud with six of his followers are buried. The tomb of Sheikh Mahmud is 12 meters long while the tombstone is 2.5 meters tall. To reach these two cemeteries, people still have to spend extra energy on foot because it is in the hills. As well as going to the High Mausoleum, visitors must climb approximately 1,000 stairs to the top. Arriving here the scenery is presented very beautiful, especially to see the town of Barus. This place is crowded by people on weekends or holidays, either by the surrounding community who come to just enjoy the beautiful scenery, or visited by Islamic pilgrims who come from other cities.

The people of Barus Subdistrict, Tapanuli Tengah District (Kabupaten Tapteng) have been pessimistic about the government, especially the central government, which has no desire to build Barus as an old city full of history in Indonesia. It was stated on the lack of infrastructure and infrastructure development including Barus city. Even from the lack of attention to the existence of historical sites in the city of Barus, in addition to not maintained and not well built, the sites - the site of relics there carried away somewhere. In addition, the face of Barus city does not reflect as a tourist area in North Sumatra (North Sumatra) and even Indonesia. Whereas the name of Barus city, has been well promoted to the whole universe (the whole world) through writing (literature) in the book or internet website.

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