Islamic Centre (Maldives)
The Islamic Centre (officially named Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam) is an architectural landmark in Malé, Maldives opened in November 1984 by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.[1]
The Grand Friday Mosque located in the centre, is named after the one of the most celebrated Maldivian hero Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam of the Maldives. The mosque is also the largest in the Maldives, and also one of the largest in South Asia admitting over 5000 people.[1]
The centre also serves a conference hall where official meetings and ceremonies are held, an Islamic library and a number of offices.[1]
The centre also houses the Ministry of Islamic-Affairs from 11 November 2008 onwards which replaced the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs which was established by the former president HE Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom.[1]
Furthermore, the Islamic Centre acts as a major tourist attraction of Malé, because of its location near the main jetty of Malé and due to the beautiful architecture of the mosque. The magnificent golden dome of the mosque is also evident on the skyline of Malé. The shining golden dome of the mosque is a standout as are also the interior walls decorated with beautiful woodcarvings and Arabic calligraphy. The center also houses a library and a conference hall.The most famous architectural landmark of Male’ is the three-storey Islamic Centre, opened in November 1984.The Center's Grand Friday Mosque, Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu-al-A'z'am, is the biggest in the Maldives, accommodating more than 5,000 worshippers.[1]
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Coordinates: 4°10′42″N 73°30′38″E / 4.17833°N 73.51056°E