Joanna James
Known for its tranquility and breathtaking natural beauty, the Maldives is predominantly Islamic in terms of its culture. As such, Maldives is home to a number of spectacular and revered mosques.
A structure that epitomizes the Islamic culture and heritage of Maldives unlike any other is the Grand Friday Mosque. Situated in the capital of Maldives; Male, the Grand Friday Mosque has been the pivotal and most revered mosque in the Maldives ever since its construction in 1984. Constructed out of beautiful white marble and incorporating the finest features of Maldivian and Islamic architecture, this significant structure is hard to miss – in fact the stunning Golden Dome which caps the Grand Friday Mosque is said to be visible from virtually any part of Male. The main highlight of the Grand Friday Mosque is its central praying hall. This central praying hall is known for its intricate and ornate wall art and wall carvings of verses from the Holy Quran. Capable of accommodating up to 5000 people, the Grand Friday Mosque also bears the title of being Maldives' largest mosque.
Built in 1658, the Old Friday Mosque served as the central mosque of Maldives prior to the establishment of the Grand Friday Mosque. Being one of the oldest and most revered mosques in Male, Maldives, the Old Friday Mosque serves as symbol of the Islamic heritage of Maldives which dates back to the 11th Century when Islam was first introduced to Maldives. The mosque is known for the spiritual ambiance it offers, owing to its magnificent architectural design which is only complemented by the scripts and holy verses carved on to the walls of the mosque. One of the main highlights of the Old Friday Mosque is a 13th Century panel upon which is inscribed a detailed chronicle of the introduction of Islam to Maldives. The panel is considered to be one of the oldest chronicles of Islam in Maldives. Located in Male, opposite the Muliaage Presidential Palace, the Old Friday Mosque is, therefore, an ideal attraction for an excursion if you staying at a Maldives bungalow in a nearby resort such as the Anantara Veli Maldives Resort.
As its name suggests, the Hulumale Mosque is located on the island of Hulumale, and is regarded as being one of the most significant structures upon the island. Built in 2006, the Hulumale Mosque boasts a fusion of traditional Maldivian architecture and modern architecture, giving the mosque a contemporary, but conventional, façade. Capable of housing 900 people, the Hulumale Mosque is easily spotted by the large golden dome at the crest of the mosque, which is only more distinguishable due to its contrast with the pure white-washed walls. On Friday's the Hulumale Mosque is visited by almost all the residents of Hulumale.
Located on the beautiful island of Nilandhoo on the Faafu Atoll is the ancient Aasaari Miskiy mosque. The Aasaari Miskiy mosque is widely regarded as being the second oldest mosque in the Maldives. Although the exact date of the construction of this ancient mosque is unknown, many local historians have stated that the mosque was built at least 800 years ago, during the latter stages of the 12th Century. The mosque is built completely out of perfectly cut stones, making it a structure of immense archeological and architectural value. Despite it being a site of Islamic worship, archeological excavations have resulted in the extractions of several relics and artifacts relevant to Buddhism and Hinduism as well. All in all, the Aasaari Miskiy mosque truly is a mosque of history and beauty.
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