Six coral stone mosques in the Maldives have been included in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Tentative List.
A workshop was held from 13 to 14 August to prepare the nomination dossier for the inclusion of these mosques in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The workshop was attended by representatives from the UNESCO Office, international experts and relevant councils and agencies. The two-day workshop was also attended by State Minister for Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage, Mohamed Shahuruzziyad and UNESCO Director and Representative Tim Curtis.
Mosques on the UNESCO Tentative List are:
• Male’ Friday Mosque
• Male’ Eid Mosque
• Ancient Mosque of Ihavandhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll
• Old Mosque, Meedhoo, Raa Atoll
• Ancient Mosque of Isdhoo, Laamu Atoll
• Friday Mosque of Fenfushi, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll
During the workshop, key decisions were made regarding the nomination dossier. According to the Culture and Heritage Ministry, discussions also covered the unique features of the mosques, historical and cultural information, and strategies to move the sites from the Tentative List to the permanent UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Ministry stated that the project aims to secure the sites in the UNESCO World Heritage List and achieve international recognition for the sites. The Ministry also said that global attention and support for these sites will benefit both the Maldivian economy and the community life of the Maldivian people.
The Ministry plans to complete all necessary preparations to include the coral stone mosques on the permanent UNESCO World Heritage List by 2026, with the participation of all stakeholders.
Efforts to nominate the coral stone mosques of the Maldives to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List have been underway since 2008. The Male’ Friday Mosque was included in list in 2008.