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The
Religious Attractions
Most of the religious attractions in East Java are dominated by
the influence of Islam which spreads the religions mostly followed
by its people. However there are also some attractions for Catholic
believers like Puh Sarang Church
and other believers like Kwan Sing
Bio Temple and Mount Kawi.
Spreading
Islamic faith in East Java cannot be separated from Wali Sanga,
the nine saints. They had a main role in the
transformation of Javanese religion and culture.
Most historians recognize that the nine saints were the priests
who always took care towards, religion as well as local populace
culture. They also developed and created the traditional culture
as a means of their method of religious teaching.
The
remain of their efforts can be traced from their works, such as
: the creation of Javanese music and songs, leather puppet shadow
play, the architectural styles of buildings, and the development
of Islamic faith..
The tombs of the nine saints can be found along Java's northcoast
between Surabaya and Cirebon
(West Java).
Five of them are in East Java, such as : Sunan
Ampel in Surabaya, Maulana
Malik Ibrahim and Sunan Giri
Gresik, Sunan Drajat in Lamongan
and Sunan Bonang in Tuban.
The
above three cities, Gresik, Lamongan and Tuban, are not far from
Surabaya and can be reached in just three or four hours. Therefore
those who want to visit there can also stay in comfortable hotels
in Surabaya.
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