Maldives Coral Stone Mosques Considered for ICESCO Heritage List

Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage has announced that discussions have taken place regarding the potential inclusion of Maldives’ coral stone mosques in the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO)’s heritage list.

In a statement issued by the ministry, it was revealed that significant deliberations occurred between Cultural Minister Adam Naseer Ibrahim and ICESCO’s Director General Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, aiming to incorporate these mosques into the organisation’s permanent heritage list.

The meeting transpired in Baku, Azerbaijan, amidst Minister Adam Naseer’s official visit to participate in the ‘Shusha – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2024’ event. Notable officials from ICESCO were also present at the meeting.

A primary focus of Minister Adam Naseer’s visit was to advocate for the inclusion of the Maldivian coral stone mosques on the ICESCO list, as highlighted by the ministry.

During the discussions, ICESCO’s Director General Dr. Salim M. AlMalik expressed a commitment to explore the necessary procedures to facilitate this endeavour.

The invitation for the minister’s trip was extended by Adil Karimli, Minister of Culture and Chair of the National Commission of Azerbaijan for ICESCO.

The process of including mosques and other structures on ICESCO’s heritage list is overseen by its subsidiary, the Islamic World Heritage Committee.

In its most recent session held from 18th to 19th December 2023 in Rabat, Morocco, the committee augmented the list with 213 new sites and artefacts, bringing the total to 634 entries. However, some of these await placement on the permanent list, which encompasses both tangible and intangible heritage items.