The Hukuru Miskiiy (Friday Mosque), Male'

The Hukuru Miskiiy Friday Mosque)is situated a short distance away from “Muleeaage” – the Presidential Residence is the old Friday mosque built in 1656 is another fascinating monument that is an essential stop on any tour of the capital city of Maldives,Malé.

All the walls in the mosque are built with coral stones intricately carved with Arabic calligraphy and ornamental patterns; the roof, window frames and doors made of different kinds of wood such as teak, sandalwood and redwood. This mosque also displays breathtakingly beautiful coral carvings and expert lacquer work done by Maldivians. There are also a number of ancient tombstones erected in memory of past sultans, heroes and nobles, in the mosques compound.

With its unique minaret and the tombs of national heroes and members of royalty resting in the quietness of its compound, you will be promised a glimpse of the Maldivian past. The art in the mosque and royal blue grounds are unique and invaluable. The mosque dates from 1656 and contains wood carvings which give accounts of the conversion of the Maldives to Islam. The drum-shaped minaret (Munnaaru), built in 1675, towers over the mosque summoning the devout to prayers five times a day.