The proposal to tear down the Bandara Mosque and construct a bigger modern mosque in its place has ignited opposition from history lovers, who are calling on the government to maintain a historical site that has existed in the Maldivian capital for nearly a century.

On Friday, Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed declared that the government has obtained financing from a generous benefactor to substitute the Bandara Mosque, officially known as Masjid Al-Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen, with a contemporary and larger structure.

He declared that building will start following Ramadan.

Situated close to the Theemuge, the previous presidential home, Bandara Mosque, initially called Bunbaa Mosque, is a historic, originally Shiite mosque constructed in 1927, during Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III's reign. It was built by Dawoodi Bohra traders who arrived in Male’ with government approval beginning in 1857.

The mosque features a distinctive red-tiled roof and a green-painted lattice balcony. Its design, uncommon in the Maldives, features a veranda on three sides.

This mosque, with great historical importance, has been located in Male’ for 98 years, symbolizing a distinct and notable period in Maldivian history, showcasing the diverse influences and trade links that formed the Maldivian islands.

The intention to tear down the mosque raised immediate alarm, particularly among history enthusiasts.

Ex-Heritage Minister Yumna Maumoon posted on X that the mosque should not be torn down “under any circumstances.”

She emphasized that the mosque, which is 98 years old, serves as a vital religious, historical, and cultural landmark in Male’.

She mentioned that the Maldives has a Cultural Heritage Act established to safeguard these sites.

Former Justice Minister Mohamed Muizzu Adnan posted on Facebook that the Bandara Mosque is among only six historical sites remaining in Male’.

“Significant organizations exist to safeguard and restore history, culture, and traditions.” “Is this truly essential?” he inquired.

Muizzu believes that the Maldives has experienced the destruction of its historical and cultural sites since 1957.

Historian Najih Didi cautioned that tearing down the Bandara Mosque would be “a serious error.”

"Destroying Bandaara Miskiiy would be a serious error." It undermines the intent of heritage preservation law, which safeguards our cultural and historical locations. "This mosque serves not only as a site for prayer but also as an invaluable cultural legacy connected to our country's rich history,” he posted on X.

Shamoon Jaleel, also known as Lucas Jalyl, a former official from the Heritage Ministry, stated that the Bandara Mosque is among the few remaining historical sites in Male’ and should be preserved.

In response to the wave of criticism, Shaheem stated on X that Bandara Mosque is not included in the official list of historical mosques in the Maldives.

He mentioned that the government will pay attention to the people's concerns and aims to engage in thorough discussions on the issue.

Historians state that the former Bunbaa Mosque catered to the Bohra community for roughly 35 years until their business licenses were revoked in 1962, prompting their exit and leaving the mosque vacant. It was subsequently modified for local purposes, renamed Bandaara Mosque, and was made available to the public on January 12, 1967, with Jumah prayers commencing on December 7, 1968.