The spatial layout of the Yogyakarta Sultanate is not merely a physical construction, but a manifestation of a profound philosophy that has been developed since the Giyanti Agreement of 1755. The relationship between material architecture and the landscape encompasses sacred and profane dimensions that reflect the identity of the Javanese people. This exhibition reveals how each style and function of a building is a symbol of a way of life that is related to social and spiritual status.

The landscape of Yogyakarta is understood through the concept of Sangkan Paraning Dumadi, which describes the human journey of life, and the principle of Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana. Cosmologically, the development of the region is based on the balance of the micro and macro cosmos, which involves the protection of the nine directions of the wind or Nawa Dewata. This philosophy is then applied to the mental development of humans as well as the physical layout of the city, which is in harmony with nature and its creator.

The power relationship between humans and nature is manifested in the concept of a cosmic axis stretching from the South Sea, the Palace, to Mount Merapi. The city layout applies the principle of Catur Gatra Tunggal, which consists of the elements of the palace, the town square, the mosque, and the market as the main requirements for governmental balance. In addition, there is also a concentric division of areas such as buron wana and buron toya, which show the close relationship between ecological narratives and the collective memory of the community.

Don't miss the opportunity to explore the realistic and philosophical-magical sides of Javanese architecture in the SMARA-BAWANA: Tata Ruang Kasultanan Yogyakarta exhibition. You will be invited to rediscover your identity and living space, which may have been taken for granted but hold profound meaning. Visit this exhibition at the Yogyakarta Palace to witness how harmony between humans, buildings, and the universe is realized in reality.