Bihuroazu Kamanaa Mosque, Islamic prayer building in Malé, Maldives
Bihuroazu Kamanaa is a prayer house in Malé built from coral stone with delicate carvings adorning its walls. The building sits directly beside the mausoleum of Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu and reflects traditional local construction methods.
The structure was built before the reign of Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auza in the 16th century. Originally bearing a different name, it was later known as Bihuroazu Kamanaa.
The name Bihuroazu comes from Persian, meaning 'prosperous', showing how historical trade routes connected the Maldives with distant regions. This naming reflects a time when Persian influence was felt in local life and commerce.
The building is located next to a sultan's mausoleum and has restrictions on outdoor prayers due to nearby graves. Visitors should be aware that certain areas are not available for activities outside the prayer spaces out of respect for these sacred sites.
The building faced demolition threats in 2017 when a 12-story development project was planned on the site. Strong community support ultimately led to its preservation.
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