Background

Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque)

Discover the Maldives' oldest mosque in Malé: a coral stone masterpiece with intricate carvings, a historic graveyard, and a UNESCO-recognized heritage.

The Hukuru Miskiy, also known as the Old Friday Mosque, stands as a testament to Maldivian history and craftsmanship. Built in 1658 from coral stone, the mosque features intricate carvings, lacquer work, and a unique minaret, making it a significant cultural and religious site in Malé.

A brief summary to Hukuru Miskiy

  • Reethigas Hingun, Malé, Hulhumalé, MV

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting; cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this religious site.
  • Remove your shoes before entering the mosque and place them in the designated area.
  • Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor inside the mosque.
  • Note the unique coral stone architecture and intricate carvings both inside and outside the mosque.
  • Explore the adjacent graveyard to observe the distinct tombstones and learn about their historical significance.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    Hukuru Miskiy is centrally located in Malé and is easily accessible on foot from most points within the city. From the main ferry terminal or Republic Square, walk east along Boduthakurufaanu Magu. The mosque will be on your left, surrounded by a wall and a graveyard. The walk is generally less than 10-15 minutes from most central locations.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus in Malé, disembark at a central stop near Majeedhee Magu. From there, walk towards the waterfront and then east towards Boduthakurufaanu Magu. The mosque is a short walk from the main roads. A single bus fare within Malé costs approximately 17.50 MVR.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Malé. Ask the driver to take you to Hukuru Miskiy on Reethigas Hingun. A short taxi ride within the city typically costs around 25 MVR as a base fee, plus 25 MVR per kilometer. A 5km ride would be approximately 150 MVR.

Unlock the Best of Hukuru Miskiy

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Hukuru Miskiy

Hukuru Miskiy, or the Old Friday Mosque, is one of the oldest and most venerated mosques in Malé, Maldives. Constructed in 1658 during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I, it stands as a remarkable example of Maldivian coral stone architecture and intricate craftsmanship. The mosque's location in the heart of Malé underscores its historical importance to the island nation. The mosque was built on the site of an older mosque erected in 1153 by Mohamed Bin Abdullah, the first Muslim Sultan after the conversion of the Maldives to Islam. The coral stone structure features walls adorned with Quranic script and elaborate carvings. The interior showcases fine lacquer work and detailed wood carvings, contributing to its atmosphere of antiquity and spirituality. The building comprises three sections: the Mihuraabuge (Imam's section), the Medhu Miskiy (central area), and the Fahu Miskiy (rear section). The mosque complex includes a unique minaret (Munaaru), constructed in 1675, and a 17th-century graveyard with intricately carved coral tombstones. The tombstones' designs indicate the rank and profession of the deceased, with rounded tops for women's graves and pointed tops for men's. Gilded inscriptions denote royalty. The mosque also features coral stone wells used for ablution before prayers. Hukuru Miskiy was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2008, recognizing its unique sea-culture architecture and the creative excellence of Maldivian artisans. The mosque remains an active place of worship and a significant cultural landmark, attracting visitors interested in Maldivian history and Islamic architecture. Visitors are advised to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and to remove shoes before entering the mosque.

Popular Experiences near Hukuru Miskiy

Popular Hotels near Hukuru Miskiy

Select Currency