Unveiling the Mystical Legends of Turgo Hill, Yogyakarta

    Nestled in Turgo, Purwobinangun, Pakem, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Turgo Hill emerges not only just as a picturesque landscape but also as a repository of history and ancient legends, woven intricately into the cultural tapestry of the region. As visitors traverse its trails, they embark on a journey not just through nature but through time, uncovering the mystical stories that have shaped this sacred land.

1. Spiritual Belief in Turgo

Indigenous people in Turgo hamlet live side by side with nature. Although this hamlet is only around 4 km southwest from Mount Merapi, which is an active volcano, the people who live there do not feel any threat or worry. Yogyakarta people, especially people who live around Mount Merapi, assured that Mount Merapi is intricately linked to the southern sea coast. Regarding sand mining in the Kali Boyong area, present practices remain manual, eschewing heavy machinery for the sake of necessity rather than greed. 

The community believes that large-scale mining could harm Merapi's natural surroundings, potentially provoking the volcano's wrath and endangering residents. Turgo residents view Merapi as a living entity, with rivers representing its feet. Damaging these "feet" through excessive sand or stone extraction with heavy equipment is seen as a potential trigger for Merapi's anger. According to Turgo residents' beliefs, a significant eruption might occur if there are plenty of excavators and mining trucks in the vicinity of Mount Merapi. This philosophy underscores the interconnectedness between Merapi, its rivers, and the surrounding forests, emphasizing the impact of human activities on the well-being of the volcanic landscape.

They always believe that God and the guardians of Turgo will always protect them. People in Turgo have faith and tales passed down through generations. Turgo is basically a mountain and it is acclaimed that Mount Turgo was in ancient times the oldest mountain before Mount Merapi appeared today. The locals of Turgo hold the belief that, during volcanic eruptions from Mount Merapi, their hamlet remains untouched due to the protective presence of Mount Turgo, deemed older than Mount Merapi. This belief is passed down hitherto. 

2. Syeikh Jumadil Kubra’s Resting Place

At the summit of Turgo Hill, a multitude of individuals frequent the location daily. They embark on pilgrimages to the final resting place of Sheikh Jumadil Kubra situated atop the hill. Although the life narrative of Sheikh Jumadil Kubra remains somewhat obscure, a prevailing belief persists that he is an ancestral figure among the Walis, initiating the propagation of Islam in Java. In the tales handed down through generations, it is recounted that Syeikh Jumadil Kubro, along with his followers, engaged in midday prayers at precisely 12 noon. However, during the midst of this prayer session, as half of the followers were immersed in their midday prayers, Syeikh Jumadilkubro mysteriously vanished. To this day, the whereabouts of the revered figure remain unknown.

Although the truth whether this place is an actual grave or merely an abode or hermitage of Syeikh Jumadil Kubra is remain vague, Syeikh Jumadil Kubra's sacred resting place on Turgo Hill holds profound significance in the cultural and spiritual tapestry of Yogyakarta. As visitors approach this hallowed ground, they encounter the tranquil aura surrounding the revered Syeikh's tomb. The grave, meticulously maintained, serves as a pilgrimage site for those seeking solace and a deep connection with the spiritual heritage of the region. Typically, visitors come to this site for prayers, seeking blessings for diverse reasons. It is common for pilgrims to make requests, believed to be frequently fulfilled, adding to the sacred aura of this revered location.

In Yogyakarta, Turgo Hill stands not only as a visual spectacle but also as a living testament to the ancient tales and mystical legends that have shaped its identity. As visitors tread lightly on its trail, the legends of Turgo Hill become guides, leading them through a journey of wonder, spirituality, and cultural richness.