ISLAMIC TOURISM AS AN ALTERNATIVE TOURISM IN MALAY WORLD: A BRIEF LOOK AT ACEH CASE

Abstract

Religion as a sociological phenomenon is a reference guiding individuals’ social life. In regard to this, it determines tendencies and choices from politics to leisure time activities. This article aims to explore the practice of Islamic tourism in Aceh which is located in northern tip of Sumatra Island and known as Verandah of Mecca (Serambi Mekkah). Islamic tourism is also considered together with faith tourism and halal tourism in the field. And this phenomenon attracts interest and considerable attention in terms of religio-historical and cultural establishment of the region and the philosophical and sociological background of this establishment. Aceh region functioned as a center of political power and took a leading role in Islamization process of the Malay Archipelago. Religious scholars who were grown in Aceh or the ones who as outsiders spent years here significantly produced written works in various fields and contributed to the Malay-Islamic culture and civilization. Some authentic works such as manuscripts, mosques, shrines and palace graveyards observed in various locations which are recognized as the values of culture, art and architecture make Aceh one of the alternative tourism centers in the region