Gallery
Description
Property Name: Dewatagaha Mosque
Inventory No: 94-1-2
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2009-08-29
Country (State party): Sri Lanka
Province: Colombo
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 6° 54′ 59.92″ N
79° 51′ 53.55″ E
Historic Period: 19th century, 1st half
Year of Construction: 19th century
Style:
Original Use: Mosque
Current Use: Mosque
Architect: Unknown
Significance
The Dewatagaha Mosque is an important prayer place for worshipers. It is one of the unique architectural Islamic monuments in Sri Lanka. The history of the mosque dates back to the early 19th century, however, the mosque is thought to be built 150 years ago. The foundation of the mosque is based on a story that affected the construction of the mosque. In 1820, an oil monger woman who had been earning her livelihood from oil had her oil pot broken. She had been very hopeless that she was not able to bring food to her family after this happened; however, a saint had come and helped her; filled a pot with oil amazingly. After this legend, the mosque was built where this event has happened. From that time till now, the place stands on the same place, representing purity, spirituality, and truth. Also, the mosque is architecturally noticeable; having similar characteristics to the mosques at Galle. The minarets are notable and the mosque is famous for its calligraphy works.
Selection Criteria
vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance
State of Preservation
The mosque is a well-preserved one without any irreversible changes.
References
Website of Flickr; http://www.flickr.com
Website of Sri Lanka; http://www.lanka.com
Website of Saranbid; http://www.saranbid.com