Calls to protect Bandara mosque and preserve history have begun following the decision to build a new mosque on the land where Bandara mosque, also known as Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddin, has stood for approximately 100 years.
Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed stated today that work to develop Bandara mosque to modern standards will begin after Ramadan. Shaheem mentioned that this work is being carried out with the assistance of a generous donor.
Located near the Republic Square and STO Supermart, Bandara mosque is said to have been built by Bohra traders who were influenced by the beliefs of Shiites who came to exert influence over the Maldives. At that time, the mosque was called Bumba mosque.
However, the name was later changed to Bandara mosque. As an attempt is being made to build a new mosque in a way that would eliminate such an ancient mosque, many history enthusiasts on social media are criticizing the decision.
Historical researcher Najih Didi stated on X that building a large modern mosque in the place of Bandara mosque is not something that should be done. He said that destroying a place that is connected to Maldivian history and is now 98 years old is an irreparable loss.
Najih described it as an act that also contradicts the law enacted to protect the cultural heritage of the Maldives. He called upon the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the Ministry of Heritage to stop this.
In response to these concerns, Minister Shaheem stated that there is a list of historical mosques in the Maldives and that this mosque is not designated as a historical site.
Addressing the accusations that there is a series of destruction of historical sites taking place, the Minister said that no such thing exists and that Bandara mosque is very different from the Hukuru mosque and Eid mosque. Shaheem said those mosques are historical mosques. The Minister stated that Eid mosque and Hukuru mosque are being maintained safely by the relevant authorities.
"The fact that a place is 100 years old is not a reason it must be kept as it is," Shaheem said.
Stating that the age of a place is not a reason to keep it as it is, Shaheem said that there is no place holier than the Kaaba, yet even that place has been renewed over various eras. The Minister said that Masjid al-Haram and the Nabawi Mosque are also being enlarged over different eras to keep up with the population.
Shaheem stated that Bandara mosque needs to be enlarged because the population in the market area has increased and the pressure on the mosques is growing. He also said that in religion, the priority is the interest of Muslims.
"Bandara mosque needs to be enlarged because the population in that area is increasing and particularly the population in the market area is large, putting pressure on those mosques. Especially during the month of Ramadan. Therefore, in Islam, what exists is the interest of Muslims," Shaheem wrote in a response to Najih's post.
Despite Shaheem’s statements, many people on social media are expressing concern and calling for this not to be done. On this issue, former Heritage Minister Yumna Maumoon said that Bandara mosque is an important religious, historical, and cultural structure in Malé that is 98 years old. Yumna said that a Cultural Heritage Act has been made and ratified to protect such historical structures and cultural heritage of the Maldives.
Former Justice Minister Mohamed Muizzu Adnan said that as Bandara mosque is a mosque nearly 100 years old, it is among the half-dozen structures that can currently be called historical structures in Malé.
Muizzu Adnan, who also served as a member of the People's Special Majlis, said it appears that a systematic series of destroying the historical and cultural structures of the Maldives has been ongoing since 1957. He questioned whether, although institutions exist to maintain history, culture, and tradition, this is something they want to do.
"Malé Hukuru mosque is also now very old, aged, and in need of renewal. The Minaret as well. It also seems fitting to renew Malé Eid mosque for the coming Ramadan," Muizzu Adnan wrote.
Adnan Haleem, who held various positions in previous governments, said that this is not something that should be done and that it is a historical and cultural structure. He said the mosque is a place where prayer can be performed in a suitable congregation and where perfect design and craftsmanship can still be seen.
However, responding to the criticisms, the Minister said there is no reason why Bandara mosque must be a historical site. Shaheem said the place does not currently stand as it was built by the Bohra traders and that changes were brought to Bandara mosque during the administrations of former President Ibrahim Nasir and President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom as well.
Therefore, he said there is no reason not to develop the place now.
