The oldest mosque in the Maldives, the Hukuru Miskiy or Old Friday Mosque is a captivating place to visit and offers insights into the nation’s heritage as well as traditional architecture and design.
Planning Your Visit
This well-known site can be found in Male, the capital of the Maldives; luxury resort options in the South Male Atoll such as Hard Rock Hotel Maldives are just a short boat ride away. The mosque is near the Muliaage (Presidential Palace) and one needs to get permission beforehand if wanting to go inside (remember to dress conservatively).
Origins of the Mosque
The origins of the Hukuru Miskiy in Maldives go back to 1656 when it started being built under the patronage of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I. Primarily made from coral, the mosque was constructed to accommodate the growing number of followers of Islam and was designed to overlook the setting sun.
Highlights to Look For
One of the key cultural attractions in Maldives, this mosque features interlocking coral blocks and columns made from coral too. Inside, one will find some truly remarkable lacquer work and intricate woodcarving including inscriptions from the Quran. Amongst the highlights is a 13th century panel commemorating Islam being introduced to the nation.
Minaret & Graveyard
Another notable feature at the Hukuru Miskiy is the adjoining minaret that was constructed in 1675 and which was made from coral stones. It is surrounded by a cemetery which also dates to the 17th century and feature