An e-petition has been submitted to the People’s Majlis requesting the protection of Bandara Mosque, also known as Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddin, as a historical heritage site, following a decision to build a new mosque on the land where the century-old mosque stands.
Last Friday, Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem stated in the ministry's media group that construction of a large, modern mosque at the Bandara Mosque site would begin after this Ramadan. He noted that the costs for this project are being covered by a generous donor.
As soon as the news hit the media, many history researchers and members of the public expressed their concerns.
The petition calling for the mosque's protection was submitted to the Majlis by Hussain Furushan, who is contesting for the Maafannu North constituency council seat in the upcoming local elections.
The petition, which opened for signatures yesterday, states that the Malé Bandara Mosque is particularly special because it is linked in many meaningful ways to the Maldives entering under British protection and its subsequent independence from that protectorate status.
Furushan further noted that while all significant sites connected to the British protectorate and the Maldives' independence many years later have now been destroyed, this mosque is the only remaining building visible as a memory of those events.
The petition is open to everyone and will have a 42-day period to collect signatures. So far, nine people have signed the petition. Depending on the number of signatures received, the People’s Majlis will take the necessary actions within its mandate.
Responding to the criticism aimed at the decision to build a new mosque, the Islamic Minister stated that there is no reason for Bandara Mosque to be considered a historical site.
Shaheem said the place no longer stands as it was originally built by the "Bumba" merchants, noting that changes were brought to Bandara Mosque during the administrations of former President Ibrahim Nasir and President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Therefore, he argued there is no reason not to develop the site now.
Bandara Miskiiy, located near Republic Square and the STO Supermart, is said to have been built by Bohra merchants who were influenced by Shia beliefs when they came to exert influence over the Maldives. At that time, the mosque was called Bumba Miskiiy.
However, the name was later changed to Bandara Mosque.
