The Maldive islands, a major trading hub between the East and West boasts of a rich cultural tradition dating as far back as 300 B.C In addition to a rich culture, Maldives offer beautiful waters, golden beaches and a magical underwater world. The words Luxury Hotels Maldives symbolize stylish luxury and PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi Maldives would be a good choice to enjoy luxury Maldivian style.
A major Maldivian attraction is the Coral Stone Mosques embodying the rich Maldivian heritage and some go back to the 16th Century .Limitations of building materials led to the use of the coral stone and timber as these were the only long lasting and easily available materials for building. Coral carpentry dates back to the Buddhist era in the Maldives and continued till the introduction of masonry in the late 18 th century. Skilled workers would lift live reef boulders from the ocean bed, cut them into stones while still soft, air dry and then interlock them to build an edifice. Coral stone construction became more refined during the Islamic period when the cutting techniques of the Swahili region in East Africa influenced Maldivian artisans. The fusion of the Buddhist and Islamic cultures in the Maldives is reflected in the Mosques.
The Friday Mosque in the capital Male (Male Hukuru Misky) is considered as the most important Maldivian Heritage Site and is the world’s biggest coral stone structure. It is listed by UNESCO in its Tentative World Heritage list with several other Maldivian Mosques. Built mainly of coral its walls are of interlocked coral stones and the original roof was thatched. Subsequently, a Minaret resembling the Mecca Minarets was added along with a cemetery containing elaborately decorated tombstones and mausoleums. This beautiful coral stone edifice has intricate carvings in Quranic Script and the wall panels and ceilings are embellished with traditional Maldivian wood and lacquer work. The main building used for daily prayer is divided into three while the mihrab with the mimbar (pulpit) is a large chamber.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.