The Maldives has formally submitted a nomination to UNESCO seeking to include several of its historic coral stone mosques on the World Heritage List, marking a significant step in preserving and promoting the country’s cultural heritage.
The announcement was made by Heena Waleed during a press briefing at the President’s Office. She confirmed that the nomination dossier was completed and officially submitted on January 21 this year.
The proposed sites include some of the Maldives’ most historically and architecturally significant mosques, such as the Malé Hukuru Miskiy, Ihavandhoo Hukuru Miskiy, Meedhoo Baa Miskiy, Fenfushi Hukuru Miskiy, and the Isdhoo Old Mosque.
According to the Minister, Maldivian coral stone craftsmanship is widely regarded by experts as a unique and highly skilled form of artistic expression, distinguished on a global level.
As part of the evaluation process, a team from the International Council on Monuments and Sites is expected to visit the Maldives in September. During the visit, the delegation will assess the condition of the nominated sites and carry out detailed inspections as part of UNESCO’s review procedures.
Preparations are currently underway to facilitate the visit, including administrative arrangements and site readiness.
The Minister also highlighted an upcoming convention on intangible cultural heritage, to be held in collaboration with UNESCO later this month. The event is expected to bring together stakeholders for discussions on heritage preservation and cultural sustainability.
The nomination represents a key effort by the Maldives to secure international recognition for its historic landmarks and ensure their protection for future generations.
