Public outcry grows against demolition of Bandaara Miskiy; Minister asserts the site holds no sacred status

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has faced widespread public criticism following his announcement of plans to construct a large, modern mosque on the site of the historic Bandaara Miskiy, also known as Masjid al-Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen.

The Minister revealed that construction of a new mosque at the site is scheduled to begin after Ramadan, noting that the necessary funding has already been secured through a generous private donor.

In response, a significant number of people have taken to social media to voice their opposition. A dedicated social media campaign has also been launched under the hashtag "Save Bandaara Miskiy."

In a post shared on X regarding the matter, historical researcher Najih Didi stated that such actions are entirely unacceptable. He emphasized that the site holds significant importance in Maldivian history and has stood for 98 years.

He stated that the destruction of such a site would result in irreparable damage to history. Noting that such an action would also violate the laws governing the protection of Maldivian cultural heritage, he called upon the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to refrain from proceeding with it.

He further stated that he calls upon the Ministry of Heritage to intervene and put a stop to this matter.

Regarding this matter, the Islamic Minister initially stated in a post on X that work to construct a large, modern mosque at the site of the Male’ Bandaara Mosque would commence after Ramadan. However, following a wave of public criticism, the Minister issued a subsequent post clarifying that the government’s objective is to expand the mosque in a manner that preserves its original heritage and aligns with Maldivian cultural architecture.

Responding to the criticism, the Minister stated in a post on X that mosques even older than the one in question have been expanded, modernized, and renovated. The Minister further asserted that there is no fundamental reason why the site cannot be expanded in accordance with Maldivian culture while ensuring its original heritage remains preserved.

Furthermore, the Minister stated that the site is not considered a sacred location, noting that even designated holy sites have undergone expansions in the past.

This is not a sacred site. Even the holiest of places are being expanded; the Holy Kaaba, built by Prophet Ibrahim, has been developed, as have Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi.

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed

The Minister stated that the mosque is currently 98 years old and emphasized that the expansion project should be completed by its centenary.

The Minister's decision has drawn widespread criticism from various quarters. Former Vice President Faisal Naseem expressed his profound concern over the government's move to demolish the 98-year-old historic mosque in Male'. He further emphasized that the mosque stands as a significant landmark of the Maldives' cultural and historical heritage.

Preserving such landmarks for future generations is a vital step toward revitalizing our national identity and fostering a deeper appreciation for culture and history among the youth. While the current site of the Bandaara Mosque is limited in space, it is essential to secure a location within this area to construct a modern mosque as part of the upcoming redesign of Male’s North Harbor.

Former Vice President Faisal Naseem

Regarding this matter, the former Chancellor of the Maldives National University, Dr. Hassan Hameed, wrote on his blog that this mosque is deeply intertwined with Maldivian history. He emphasized that citizens must remain highly vigilant regarding government actions, noting that some modern mosques resemble nightclubs more than traditional places of worship.

These observations underscore the necessity for Maldivians to remain highly vigilant regarding government actions. I have seen some of the modern mosques being built; some of these structures resemble nightclubs more than places of worship. Forgive my bluntness, but when the design of a mosque is entrusted to those who do not regularly frequent them, the result may be "modern," but it misses the mark. Over the past two years, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has carried out actions that directly contradict the government's own stated policies.

Dr. Hassan Hameed

Dr. Hassan Hameed stated that the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has acted in direct contradiction to established government policies over the past two years. He noted that these actions include renaming the Zakat Office to "Zakat House" and the Minister’s assertion that it is acceptable to teach Islamic Studies in English within schools.

Furthermore, many are calling on the government to reconsider its decision, urging the preservation of the historic Bandara Mosque rather than its demolition.

At the same time, many are criticizing the Minister for changing his tone following the initial backlash. Critics have pointed out that if construction is slated to begin immediately after Ramadan, the architectural designs should already be finalized, and have called for these plans to be shared with the public.