HUKURU MISKIIY AND MUNNAARU

Built in 1656, on the initiative of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I, the Hukuru Mosque is affectionately referred to as the Old Friday Mosque. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful building in the Maldives and is worth a trip to Malé on its own. It is located opposite the Mulee Aage, the presidential palace. Its architecture perfectly illustrates the mastery of Maldivian masons and carpenters. Its walls were built from blocks of white coral, mostly brain coral, so closely interlocked that there are no joints. The base of the building is decorated with geometric patterns and the windows are openwork with teak screens. The palm roof has been replaced by corrugated iron sheets. The interior of the mosque is decorated with teak and sandalwood panels, carved with verses from the Qur'an and ornamental motifs. Because the mosque was built on the foundations of a solar temple, the prayer hall faces east rather than Mecca, so worshippers turn to a corner of the hall to be properly positioned to pray. You will notice that the carpet patterns point in the direction of Makkah, and are therefore at an angle to the walls. Tourists are not allowed into the mosque during the prayer. However, if you come outside of prayer time, you can still visit the mosque, as long as you ask the permission of the people who are already there and respect the customs. In general, they do not object and, if you meet someone who speaks English, he will be happy to tell you the history of the place.

Next to the mosque stands the Munnaaru, a strange white cylinder with blue bands underlining the Arabic inscription for the call to prayer. Inspired by the minarets he saw during his pilgrimage to Mecca, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I had this tower added to the mosque in 1675.

Cemetery of personalities. Next to the first minaret is the cemetery of the personalities of Male. Sultans, ministers, dignitaries and famous people rest here in peace. Finely carved chapels are adorned with flags indicating the importance of the deceased. Numerous stone grave markers, also carved, stand in the garden. Those that are rounded are those of women, while those of men are pointed. At present, due to lack of space, a stele is no longer assigned to each deceased. They are buried one above the other.