Landmarks in Maldives

By: Aminath Saany Naseer

Maldivian archipelagoes are renowned worldwide for its scenic beauty of coral reefs and white sandy beaches; a divine tourist destination. Although this is the popular face of Maldives to the outside world, it is also a country with a remarkably distinctive lifestyle, culture and heritage. This is inherently evident in the landmarks found in Maldives. Most of these sights are located in capital Male’, mostly because it was the centre of early political, social and economic influence. However, there are also few other sites in other islands that gives an insight of the rich heritage and culture of the Maldives.

To begin with, Hukuru Miskiiy which translates to English as “Friday Mosque” is one such landmark located in Male’. It is known to have been constructed in 1153 AD by Sultan Mohammed Ibn Abdullah. Historical documents and investigations suggest that this landmark was renovated on two occasions; as early as 1338 and 1656 AD. The edifice of this mosque is of historical significance because it portrays an amalgamation of Buddhist and Islamic architecture; two belief systems that had dominated Maldives in the early days. This landmark is also a profound example of previous Maldivian craftsmanship mainly because of the lacquer work, coral carved patterns and Arabic calligraphy found in its interior and exterior structure as well as the local woods used in its construction such as teak, sandalwood and redwood.

Another landmark site that is historically and culturally famous is Muleeaage, located just opposite to the Friday mosque. It was originally built in the year 1906 by Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III but was declared government property after he was overthrown in May 1936. In 1953, after Maldives became a republic under President Mohamed Amin Didi, the building was converted in to the President's Official Residence. Muleeaage is seen to have very unique colonial style architecture and is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Male’. In 2008, the palace was again converted in to the President's Official Residence and still is today.

Medhu Ziyaaraiy, also an important landmark situated in Male', is the tomb of Abdul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary, a religious scholar from Morocco who is credited for converting Maldives to Islam on 1153 AD. He is a well-known figure in Maldivian history mainly because of the folk story he is associated with about how official Maldivian religion was converted from Buddhism to Islam. This tomb portrays an Arabic-Maldivian mix of architecture with a blue door engraved with golden stones, showing the glory of Abdul Barakat’s episode to Maldivian history.

Moreover, Utheemu Ganduvaru (Ganduvaru translates to “Palace”) is also a significant landmark in Maldives which was where the famous Maldivian martyr Mohamed Thakurufaanu lived and grew up. He was famous to have led the battle against the Portuguese who invaded and occupied the Maldives from 1558 to 1573 and was a prominent political figure at that time. The palace is situated in the island of Utheemu, an inhabited island of Haa Alif Atoll in the north of Maldives. It is one of the most well preserved historical sites of the Maldives and reflects the lifestyle of the rich who lived centuries ago.

Furthermore, Sultan Park; a public park situated in capital Male’, built on the southern side of the demolished Royal Palace grounds of the 16th century making it a site of significant historical value. Within the park remains, a part of the former Sultan’s palace, which was used as a National Museum until the new one was constructed recently. The remains of the building portray an Edwardian colonial –style building with the Iron Gate at the entrance of the park which depicts former glory of previous monarchs.

Lastly, Theemuge though comparatively recent in construction, is known to be one of Male’s most stunning architectural attributes. The spectacular structure in blue and white is a fine example of the country’s building heritage as well as its political legacy. Its most famous occupant was former president, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom who used the place as his official residence until 2008. Today, it is used to house the offices of Maldivian Supreme Court after official presidential residence was moved to Muleeaage. Theemuge is named after the dynasty of some of the first Muslim rulers of the Maldives from the late Lunar Dynasty.

These sites are of immense archeological, historical and cultural value for the Maldives; therefore have to be guarded safe for future generations. Preservation and maintenance work of such sites have been given more importance since the 1970s with people getting more sentient about its importance.