Semiotics of Demak Mosque: Hidden Economic Aspects in The Javanese Muslim Tradition

Ashadi (Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta)
Ratna Dewi Nur'aini ((SCOPUS Author ID : 57204196163). Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta)
Anisa (Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta)
Finta Lissimia (Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta)
Lilawati Ab Wahab (Universiti Teknologi MARA)

International Journal of Built Environment and Scientific Research
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2025): International Journal of Built Environment and Scientific Research

Demak Mosque could be considered as a sign. This historic mosque seemed to be shrouded in myth which was the result of the signification process; it was increasingly flourishing in the Javanese Islamic society. This study aimed to dismantle the myth of the Demak Mosque, by using a semiotic approach, with the methods of denotation and connotation. The results of this study showed that the truth of myths was not important, but rather benefit was important. The Myth of the Demak Mosque had provided benefits in the form of economic prosperity, both for the managers of the mosque itself and for the wider community in Demak and its surroundings.