Isn’t it fascinating that a city like Kandy which is deeply rooted in Buddhist tradition houses such a beautiful mosque? We are standing in front of Al Zamil Mosque. It offers a glimpse into the diverse cultural tapestry of this historical city.
Al Zamil Mosque is one of Kandy’s gems. It reflects the rich Islamic heritage interwoven into the city’s history. Kandy is not only the capital of the Central Province but also a city with administrative and religious importance.
Interestingly, Kandy was first established by Vikramabahu III between 1357 and 1374 AD. Later, it became the capital of the Kandyan Kingdom. This shows its historical significance.
Now, let’s talk about Meera Makam Mosque, also known as Meera Maccam Masjid. Some sources suggest it was established in 1824. However, construction on the current structure commenced in 1855 and concluded in 1864. This makes it one of the oldest and largest mosques in Kandy. The mosque is located at the corner of Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Mawatha and Gamini Dissanayake Mawatha.
The land where the Meera Makam Mosque stands was gifted. King Kirhi Sri Rajasinha gifted it to a Muslim courtier. The land originally belonged to the Asgiri Maha Viharaya. This highlights the religious harmony that existed.
The Meera Makam Mosque gets its name from Nagore Sahul Hameed Meeran Sahib Wali. He was a revered Sufi saint and Islamic preacher. His student, Shaik Sayyid Sahabdeen Waliyullah, is buried within the mosque.
The building has a rectangular structure. Its facade is painted white with green accents. The mosque has no main minaret or dome.
In January 2013, the mosque’s walls were defaced and in July 2015, it was stoned. Despite these incidents, the mosque stands as a symbol of resilience.
In January 2016, Nawaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, visited the mosque with his wife. This visit highlights the mosque’s importance on an international level.
In September 2017, the Meera Makam Mosque opened its doors to the public. This was part of the country’s first Open Mosque Day. The event aimed to build bridges with the wider community.
Al Zamil Mosque and Meera Makam Mosque symbolize Kandy’s diverse heritage. It stands as a testament to the peaceful coexistence of various cultures and religions throughout the city’s history. It enriches the cultural landscape.