Coral stone, a rare and strong material that comes from the sea, is the main material that the Male Friday Mosque is built with. Coral stone is made of the hard skeletons of tiny sea creatures called coral polyps that live together in groups. When the coral stone is wet, it is easy to shape and cut, but when it dries, it becomes solid and firm.
The Male Friday Mosque is one of the most fascinating and beautiful attractions in Maldives. But do you know how this mosque was built without using any nails or cement? Reveal the secret behind this amazing feat of engineering and architecture.
Male Friday Mosque
The Male Friday Mosque is a historic and cultural heritage site in the Maldives. It is also one of the oldest and most ornate mosques in the city of Malé, Kaafu Atoll. It was built in 1658 by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I, replacing an earlier mosque that was constructed in 1153 by the first Muslim Sultan of Maldives, Dhovemi. The mosque is made of coral stone, which is a unique and durable material that was used for many buildings in the Maldives.
Amazing Mosque that was Built Without Nails or Cement!
The mosque has a complex and elegant design, with intricate carvings, calligraphy, and decorations. The mosque also has a three-tiered roof, a coffered ceiling, a large mihrab chamber, and a mimbar. The mosque is surrounded by a cemetery, a minaret, a sundial, and three wells.
The cemetery contains the tombs and mausoleums of many past sultans and nobles of Maldives, some of which are made of coral stone as well. The minaret is a drum-like structure that is painted in white and has metal bands and calligraphy. The sundial is a simple device that shows the time of the day by the shadow of a metal rod. The wells are also made of coral stone and have stepping stones leading to them.
- The Male Friday Mosque has been a UNESCO Tentative World Heritage Site since 2008, as it is a remarkable example of sea-culture architecture and Islamic art.
- It is also a symbol of the history and identity of Maldives, as it reflects the conversion to Islam and the influence of different cultures and dynasties.
- The mosque is still in use today, as one of the main places of worship for Muslims in Maldives. It is also open to visitors who want to admire its beauty and learn about its significance. Visitors need to follow certain rules and etiquette when entering the mosque, such as dressing modestly, removing shoes, and avoiding photography inside the mosque.
When was the Male Friday Mosque built and by whom?
The Male Friday Mosque was built in 1658 by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I, who replaced an earlier mosque that dated back to 1153.
What is the significance and status of the Male Friday Mosque in Maldives?
The Male Friday Mosque is a historic and cultural heritage site in Maldives, as it reflects the conversion to Islam and the influence of different cultures and dynasties in Maldives. It is also one of the oldest and most ornate mosques in Maldives.
Don’t miss this opportunity to discover one of the most fascinating and beautiful attractions in Maldives. Book now, today and plan your trip to the Male Friday Mosque!
