President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated preservation of heritage sites in the Maldives is an important part of the economic diversification plans of the administration.
The president made the remarks while speaking at the ceremony held to open the newly relocated and restored ‘Kalhuvakaru Mosque’ and adjoining park in the former Sultan Park area. The president was joined at the ceremony by Vice President Faisal Naseem, Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Yumna Maumoon, and other senior officials of Government offices and institutions.
Speaking about the historical significance of Kalhuvakaru Mosque, the president highlighted that the mosque not only symbolizes the historical legacy of the Maldives but that it is also stands testament to the masterful craftsmanship of local ancestors. He further stressed that the mosque is the only local structure standing today, built with lacquered woodwork using lumber from the ebony tree, locally known as Kalhuvakaru. He noted it also exhibits the ancient coral stone handiwork of our forefathers.
President Solih stressed on the need to preserve such cultural heritage sites, noting that his administration has ensured the legal framework – the Heritage Act ratified in September 2019 – pivotal for the protection and preservation of such rich sites and infrastructure. He further highlighted the need to safeguard items and places of historical significance to future generations and ensure the documentation, preservation and protection of our cultural heritage.
The president went on to note his plans to open the Maldives to cultural tourism as part of his economic diversification plans, which he described as especially vital at a time the country is striving to overcome the financial constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed his gratitude to the Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister and her team for the restoration work of the mosque.
The Kalhuvakaru Mosque was built in 1789 during the reign of Sultan Hassan Nooradeen Iskandar. It stood on a coral foundation carved with intricate designs and was held up by wooden beams engraved with Arabic calligraphy.
The mosque was dismantled in 2016 to be relocated to another place. Work on reassembling the mosque began after the current administration assumed power in 2018.
Although the reassembled mosque will be used as a heritage site, individuals who wish to pray inside the mosque will be permitted to do so, according to the heritage ministry.