Six Maldivian Coral Stone Mosques Added to UNESCO Tentative List

Six coral stone mosques in the Maldives have been added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Tentative List.

A two-day workshop, held from 13 to 14 August, focused on preparing the nomination dossier for the inclusion of these mosques on the permanent UNESCO World Heritage List. The event brought together representatives from the UNESCO Office, international experts, and relevant councils and agencies. State Minister for Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage, Mohamed Shahuruzziyad, and UNESCO Director and Representative Tim Curtis also attended.

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The six mosques included on the UNESCO Tentative List are the Male’ Friday Mosque, Male’ Eid Mosque, Ancient Mosque of Ihavandhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll, Old Mosque of Meedhoo in Raa Atoll, Ancient Mosque of Isdhoo in Laamu Atoll, and the Friday Mosque of Fenfushi in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll.

During the workshop, key decisions were taken regarding the nomination dossier, including discussions on the unique architectural and cultural features of the mosques, their historical significance, and strategies to advance the sites from the Tentative List to full UNESCO World Heritage status.

The Culture and Heritage Ministry stated that the project aims to secure international recognition for the mosques and that global attention and support could benefit both the Maldivian economy and community life. The Ministry plans to complete all necessary preparations for inclusion on the permanent UNESCO World Heritage List by 2026, engaging all relevant stakeholders in the process.

Efforts to nominate the coral stone mosques to UNESCO’s Tentative List have been ongoing since 2008, with the Male’ Friday Mosque being the first site added to the list that year.