The Maldives has held discussions to list its coral stone mosques on the Permanent List of World Heritage Sites under the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO).
The discussions regarding the inclusion of the historic mosques on ICESCO's list took place during the official visit of Minister of Language, Culture, and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim to Azerbaijan. His visit was made to attend “Shusha - the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2024”.
One main agenda during the minister's visit is the advocacy for the incorporation of the historical mosques of the Maldives into the list of World Heritage Sites. In pursuit of the objective, he held discussions with Director General of ICESCO Dr. Salim Al-Malik.
During their meeting, Dr. Al-Malik expressed his commitment to advancing the cause, pledging to take necessary steps towards the potential inclusion of the Maldives' historical stone mosques into the list. With the Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture, and Heritage signaling its approval, momentum for the inclusion has been bolstered.
ICESCO, as a key organ of the organisation, holds responsibility for the selection and preservation of mosques and other significant architectural marvels within its Permanent List of World Heritage Sites. In a recent session convened at its headquarters in Rabat, Morocco, from December 18-19, 2023, ICESCO's committee added 213 new monuments and objects to its World Heritage List, bringing the total count to 634. Among these additions are sites awaiting inclusion in the Permanent List of Heritage Sites, marking significant progress in safeguarding cultural treasures worldwide.