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Hukuru Miskiy: The Old Friday Mosque

Discover the ancient artistry of Hukuru Miskiy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest coral stone mosques in the Maldives.

Hukuru Miskiy, also known as the Old Friday Mosque, stands as a testament to Maldivian history and craftsmanship. Built in 1658 from coral stone, it is one of the oldest mosques in the Maldives and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing intricate carvings and traditional lacquer work.

A brief summary to Hukuru Miskiy

  • Reethigas Hingun, Malé, Hulhumalé, MV

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting; cover shoulders and knees.
  • Remove shoes before entering the mosque.
  • Visit during non-prayer times to avoid disturbing worshippers.
  • Photography may be restricted in certain areas; respect any limitations.
  • Check with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for permission to enter.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Hukuru Miskiy is centrally located in Malé and is easily accessible on foot from many points in the city. From the President's Office or the National Museum, walk along Medhuziyaarai Magu, and you'll find the mosque on Reethigas Hingun. Walking is a great way to experience the city's atmosphere. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    The Malé bus system, operated by MTCC, provides access to the Hukuru Miskiy area. Several bus routes pass near the mosque. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times. Bus fares start at MVR 3. From the bus stop, there will be a short walk to the mosque.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Malé. You can hail a taxi on the street or use a ride-hailing app. A short taxi ride within the city typically costs around MVR 25 as a starting price, with each KM costing 25 MVR. A 5km ride in Male costs about 150 MVR. Be aware that fares may increase after 11 PM.

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Discover more about Hukuru Miskiy

Hukuru Miskiy, or the Old Friday Mosque, is a historical landmark in Malé, Maldives, revered for its cultural and religious significance. Constructed in 1658 during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I, it stands as one of the oldest surviving mosques in the Maldives. The mosque's architecture showcases the artistic talent and skills of Maldivian craftsmen. The mosque is built from coral stone, a readily available resource in the Maldives, using an interlocking system. The coral blocks are adorned with elaborate carvings, and the interior features traditional Maldivian lacquer work and wood carvings. The roof is supported by cut coral columns, and the ceiling is ornate. Over the years, the thatched roof was replaced with iron sheeting. The complex includes a 17th-century graveyard with intricately carved tombstones. The tombstones' shapes indicate the gender of the deceased, with rounded tops for women and pointed tops for men. A minaret, constructed in 1675, stands next to the mosque. The mosque also has coral stone wells used for ablution before prayers. Hukuru Miskiy was added to the UNESCO World Heritage cultural list in 2008. UNESCO recognizes the mosque's unique architecture, historic legacy, and the craftsmanship of the Maldivian people. Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque, but modest dress is required, and it's best to visit during non-prayer times. Special permission from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs may be needed to enter the mosque.

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