Joanna James
Having gone through many historical events over the centuries, this island nation has much more than picture-perfect settings and a stunning underwater world. Find below a few significant places that convey the rich history of the nation with their presence, innate nuances, and sheer majesty.
Considered as one of the oldest and most well-preserved structures in the Maldives this holy mosque was built in the mid-17th century and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its outstanding architecture for the said period of construction. Situated in Male, the capital city on the main island a visit to this mosque is considered one of the best things to do in Maldives. Visitors are inspired by its magnificence and the detail of architecture, the ornate beauty, and the finesse of the Quranic scriptures that are chiselled into various places of the mosque.
A national hero of the Maldives, Muhammad Thakurufaanu was a valiant and determined Maldivian who spearheaded the movement to liberate the Maldives from the grip of Portuguese rulers in 1573. He became the ruler of the Maldives after conquering the Portuguese and ruled the nation as the Sultan of the Maldives until 1585 until his death. This outstanding blue and white tomb erected in his memory can be witnessed in Male with beautiful arches and pillars adorning it. This is a site viewed and admired by many visitors to the archipelago such as those using hotels like Ozen Reserve Bolifushi.
Another historical site located in Male; this stunning white building is at present the official residence of the President of the Maldives. Built during the early 20th century, this location was the site of the ancestral home of former Sultans of the nation, however, Muliaage Palace which was built for Prince Hassan Izzuddeen by his father the ruling Sultan at that time, Mohamed Shamsuddeen III, was not used for long by the prince and did not function as the palace of the Sultans for many years. Much later after the 2nd World War, it was used for official functions and as a place of stay for foreign dignitaries. It was made the official residence of the President in the mid-20th century and continues as such to date.
A significant historical site in the Thoddoo Island of the Maldives which was discovered in the mid-20th century offers evidence of Buddhism having been in practice in the Maldives. A statue of Lord Buddha found at this site confirms the evidence and it is believed that the statue has been buried under sand by the locals after the Maldives was declared an Islamic kingdom by royal decree in 1153 AD. This area draws visitors to witness the remaining buildings at the temple and the artefacts.
Situated near the Historic Mosque of Hukuru Miskiiy in Male, this is a famous tomb erected in the memory of Moroccan scholar Abdul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary who is supposed to have introduced the religion of Islam to the Maldives in 1153 AD which was embraced by the ruling Sultan and the people of the Maldives.
The oldest mosque built in the Maldives was named after the ruler of the land at that time as this landmark place of worship was erected during the conversion of the nation from being a Buddhist nation to an Islamic nation. Starting with this mosque many others were built as more locals embraced the Islamic faith after their ruler. A site worth a visit to witness the significance of this mosque.
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