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Sights of Male |
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| Hukuru Miskiiy |
The Hukuru Miskiiy or Friday Mosque built in 1 656 during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar contains some of the finest samples of Maldivian workmanship. The walls are built with finely fluted coral blocks with elaborate coral carvings. Inside the mosque are intricate wooden engravings. The minaret of the Hukuru Miskiiy was built in 1667. |
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| The Presidential Palace |
The Presidential Palace, Theemuge is one of the most important attractions for those visiting Male and is on the itinerary of any tour in Male. The design and architecture of the palace combines the grandeur of local tradition with modernity. The Palace is on Orchid Magu west of the main shopping area. |
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| Mulee-aage |
Muleeaage was built just before the First World War by Sultan Shamsuddeen III for his son. The Sultan was deposed and his son never took office. In 1 953, during the First Republic Mulee-aage was designated as the Presidential Palace and was the official residence of the president until the new Presidential Palace was built. |
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| Islamic Centre |
The Islamic Centre opened in 1984, is located between Me-duziyaaraiy Magu and Ameeru Ahmed Magu. The Centre's most important feature is the grand mosque, Masjidul Sultan Moham-mad Thakurufaanu al A'z'am which holds up to 5,000 people. In addition to the Grand Mosque the Islamic Centre houses a conference hall, an Islamic library and classrooms. |
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| Sultan Park & Museum |
The Sultan Park and the National Museum are part of the old Sultan's Palace and Palace grounds during the time of the monarchy. The Museum opened in 1 952 and displays a large variety of objects and artifacts from times gone by. The collection comprises of relics from the pre-lslamic times to royal antiquities belonging to different monarchs. The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. except Fridays and public holidays. |
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| Medhuziyaaraiy |
Just opposite the small park adjoining the Hukuru Miskiiy, is the tomb of Abu-al Barakaat, to whom the nation pays its respects for bringing to our shores the enlightenment of Islam in 1153. |
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| The 'Artificial Beach' |
It may sound strange in a country renowned for its beaches, however it is true that the residents of Male get to enjoy an artificial beach built on the eastern side of the island. The beach is ideal for swimmers and those who cannot go to the nearby islands to enjoy the beach. There are food outlets and benches in the area where one can sit down and enjoy the scenery. |
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 Markets |
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| Fish Market |
One of the most exciting places to visit in Male is the Fish Market. The market really comes to life in the afternoon when dhonis, or the local fishing boats start arriving with their catch. Maldivians buy fresh fish for their homes every day and a visit to the fish market is part of the day's program for many.
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| Local Market |
A little further to the west of the fish market is the aptly named Local Market. The market consist' of a series of stalls that stock the produce of islands from all over the Maldives. This is the place to be if you wish to sample some of the local fruits or preserves. |
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