Ex-Minister Zahir: Mosques with long history should be declared heritage sites

Amid the ongoing debate regarding the proposed demolition of Malé’s Bandara Mosque, former Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed Zahir has stressed the importance of designating historically significant mosques as heritage sites and ensuring their protection and preservation.

In a Facebook post, Zahir stated that old mosques stand as powerful evidence of the craftsmanship and expertise of earlier generations. He further remarked that such structures clearly demonstrate the deep reverence and affection that our forefathers held for mosques.

Emphasizing that Bandara Mosque is a site deeply embedded in historical memory and long-standing heritage, Zahir acknowledged that the state must consider and facilitate appropriate arrangements to ensure that congregants can pray comfortably.

 However, he maintained that mosques with substantial historical significance should be formally recognized as heritage sites and preserved accordingly.

Drawing comparisons from Islamic history, Zahir detailed that the services rendered to the two Holy Harams across different eras remain visible even at present as the original structures were preserved during subsequent expansions. He specifically noted that in Masjid al-Nabawi, the contributions of the Umayyads, Abbasids, the Ottoman Caliphate, and the Saudi monarchs can be distinctly identified through the architecture, pillars, and intricate decorative elements.

The controversy surrounding Bandara Mosque intensified after the current Islamic Minister, Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, announced plans to demolish the existing structure in order to construct a new larger mosque. The announcement triggered significant backlash on social media from historians, former cabinet ministers, and members of the general public.

Following the widespread criticism, Shaheem later stated that the government would seek public opinion and conduct consultations on the matter. While some government supporters have defended the proposal, many others continue to oppose the demolition, arguing that Bandara Mosque forms an essential part of Malé’s historical identity.