Renowned as one of the oldest and most ornate mosques in the Maldives, the Old Friday Mosque in Male is also known as Malé Hukuru Miskiy. Included as part of the UNESCO Tentative World Heritage List in 2008, the mosque attracts Muslim devotees and non-Muslim spectators alike.
Locate the Mosque
The mosque is found opposite the Muliaage and the Medhuziyaaraiy in Male. This beautifully decorated religious site attracts many a curious traveller visiting the city’s capital while holidaying at a Maldives luxury resort or hotel.
History of the Mosque
Constructed over an old mosque, the Old Friday Mosque is another prominent religious site built in 1658 during the reign of Ibrahim Iskandar I. Those vacationing in popular luxury resorts such as COMO Maalifushi, Maldives can visit Male and the Old Friday Mosque to witness elements of the unique history of the country.
Architecture of the Mosque
Built from coral found across the archipelago that is often used as a building material for other mosques too, the mosque features what is known as sea-culture architecture. Popular as a sturdy material to be used in construction, coral can be cut easily into blocks when wet.
Special Features of the Mosque
With three separate entrances, the mosque features two prayer halls with adjoining antechambers. The coral walls are adorned with intricate carvings and the ornate ceiling is renowned for spectacular lacquer work and woodcarving.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world.
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