Hukuru Miskiiy, Male

Malé, the capital of the Maldives, is renowned for its beautiful mosques. As Islam is the predominant religion here, the mosques are dotted throughout the city  This tour will enable you to visit some of the most famous landmarks, including Hukuru Miskiiy (Friday Mosque), the oldest mosque in the Maldives, and Grand Friday Mosque, the largest mosque in the Maldives. 

Malé boasts some of the most magnificent architecture in the Maldives. Some of the most beautiful monuments are undoubtedly the mosques, which are of great importance to Maldivians and their Islamic faith.

Our first stop is the historic Hukuru Miskiiy, popularly known as Old Friday Mosque. Built during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar I in 1658, this is the oldest mosque in the country. It has served as the main mosque for the Malé population for almost four centuries until Grand Friday Mosque and the Islamic Centre took over this function in 1984. The building is a fine example of meticulous coral stone architecture, detailed lacquer work and intricate woodcarvings. It is a symbolism of the most prolific pieces of Maldivian artistic expression. The interior and exterior walls of the mosque are beautifully carved with Arabic writings and beautiful decorative designs. The exterior is surrounded by a 17th century graveyard with coral stone tombstones of past sultans and nobles, which are constructed with unique designs in mind and are truly unparalleled in the world.

Friday Mosque has great spiritual significance for the local people. Thousands of people gather here every Friday before lunchtime to pray. This majestic monument is a unique piece of Maldivian heritage and a must-see attraction.

We move onwards to Grand Friday Mosque, which is mostly confused with old Friday Mosque above. Officially named Masjid-al Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu-al-A'z'am, this is the largest mosque in the Maldives. Like its name it’s structure is also big and has a spectacular architectural landmark. The mosque’s magnificent golden dome and thin and elegant minaret dominates Malé’s skyline, whilst the interior walls are decorated with beautiful woodcarvings and Arabic calligraphy.

An Islamic Centre is also located here, which serves as a conference hall for official meetings and ceremonies. It has a capacity of holding over five thousand worshipers at a time. There are around 20 different mosques located in Male, but Friday Mosque and Grand Friday Mosque are a honest recommendation to experience the bliss of pure sacredness and divinity.