Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, features the magnificent Sultan Hasanuddin Mosque and numerous historic mosques that showcase centuries of Islamic influence in the region. The city served as a major Islamic trading hub and center of religious scholarship since the 17th century, particularly under the Gowa Sultanate. Today's Makassar maintains a strong Muslim identity with vibrant Islamic communities, traditional madrasas, and cultural practices that blend Bugis-Makassarese traditions with Islamic teachings.