Gallery
Description
Property Name: Galle Mosque
Inventory No: 94-9-1
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2009-08-27
Country (State party): Sri Lanka
Province: Galle
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 6° 1′ 34.21″ N
80° 12′ 55″ E
Historic Period: 20th century, 1st half
Year of Construction: completion 1904
Style:
Original Use: Mosque
Current Use: Mosque
Architect: Unknown
Significance
The Galle Mosque is located within the borders of the ancient Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mosque is known to be completed in 1904. It is one of the Islamic landmarks of Sri Lanka, established during the Dutch colonial period. During the Portuguese period, there was no allowance for building mosques, however in the Dutch period mosques were allowed; as a result of this, the Galle Mosque of this era represents a significant example of interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions. The mosque also completes the landscape of this area with its European-style architectural features.
Selection Criteria
iv. to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history
State of Preservation
The Galle Mosque is a well-preserved property among the Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications.
References
World Heritage website; http://whc.unesco.org/en/list