Cultural zone to be established around Friday Mosque

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Tuesday, has decided to establish a cultural and buffer zone around the Friday Mosque in Male' City at the recommendation of his cabinet.

The decision was made during Tuesday’s cabinet meeting after discussions on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage.

The Ministry’s paper stressed the need to identify a cultural zone around the Male' Friday Mosque as a buffer zone – aimed at safeguarding the Friday Mosque and raises the likelihood of it being inscribed permanently on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

The zone also opens new tourism and economic opportunities in the area, with more information being readily available to tourists.

The cultural zone designated by the President on Tuesday is not limited to Friday Mosque, but also includes Medhu Ziyarai, Muleeaage, Dharumavantha Rasgefaanu Mosque, Usgekolhu, Kalhuvakaru Mosque, Bandaara Koshi, Old Nadi Building, Dharul Uloom and the Republic Square.

The Ministry’s paper, which emphasized the significance of having a cultural zone to protect Male' City's historic structures and heritage, states rules and regulations will be in place to govern the zone's operations.