Travellers staying at some of the best villas in Maldives will definitely want to visit Hukuru Miskyii for a pop for culture and history. Located twenty minutes away from a hotel by Adaaran Prestige Water Villas, this beautiful construction goes back centuries, making it the most ancient mosque in the whole of the islands. What is interesting about the mosque is its intricate design and craftsmanship; made from pure coral upon which Arabic script from the Quran and delicate trimmings have been embossed. Not only does the mosque look impressive from an aesthetic perspective but the site itself is a wonderful spot to stop by and catch your breath amidst the flurry of busy people and vehicles that buzz up and down the streets. As you walk towards the courtyard surrounding the mosque, you will find many wells near all of the three entrances where visitors may observe the cleansing ritual before prayers known as “ablution”.
Friday prayer sometimes calls upon the use of the extra stretch of white sand which borders the building in case of times when the mosque premises cannot hold the growing congregation. Observing prayer outside on the sand might be very peaceful as the rustle of trees surrounding the yard can provide a rather relaxing environment. While the outside is eye-catching, the inside of this magnificent piece of history is equally fascinating. The mosque is popular for the exquisite lacquer work and ornate carvings into the wood of this ornamental timber construction. The mosque is a quaint and cosy place that’s perfect for quiet refuge and silent prayers and its low ceiling adds to the sanctuary-like nature of the place. There is actually a length of woodcarving from as far back as the 13th century that is dedicated to the celebration of the Maldives’ introduction to Islam. This makes it a must that you get out your camera and snap a few photographs of the art you will find here, not forgetting a worthy glimpse into the culture and people who visit the mosque.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
