Anastasia Smith
The island nation of pristine sands, turquoise waters and golden sunsets — the Maldives’ days of yore have also blessed the islands with a rich history as fantastic as its fabled seaside. Come, explore; savour a dose of fascinating history touring the archipelagic country’s top historical sites.
The crown jewel of the capital city, Male — the island country’s biggest mosque — may seem so majestically modern, but with a rich history that dates back to 1984, it for sure is historic enough. The iconic golden dome glimmering atop the mosque is so distinctive of the religious site and something of a symbol for the city that dominates the skyline of Male. Visitors to the mosque are only permitted from 9 am to 5 pm, outside prayer hours, and conservative choice of clothing is strictly advised.
Taking second place on the pick of the Maldives’ top historical sites is also another mosque, which should be nothing of a surprise considering a predominantly Islamic country such as the Indian Ocean island nation. Old Friday Mosque, unlike Grand Friday Mosque, is the possessor of a history that is well and truly historical in the classic sense, with its existence dating all the way back to 1656, bestowing it with the title of “the oldest mosque in the Maldives”. While the centuries-old mosque may still not be in its prime grandeur, it boasted a charming coral stone structure adorned with intricate decoration in its glory days.
The oldest cemetery in the Maldives, Koagannu Cemetery dates back some 900 years and houses the remains of the first Muslims of Addu Atoll, especially the ancient royal families of the Indian Ocean island nation. The sprawling cemetery is also home to the country’s biggest tombstone, which dates back to the 18th century. A visit to the cemetery is one of the best activities to do in Maldives, involving history. After a day well spent, retreat to one of the archipelago’s finest hotels or resorts. Your options include OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo.
The charmingly blue and white shrine in Lonuziyaarai Magu, Malé, in the same vicinity as the aforementioned Old Friday Mosque, houses the tomb of the legendary Moroccan traveller and scholar, Abdul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary, who is credited for the advent of Islam in the Maldives during 1153 AD. Maldivians all across the archipelagic nation pay their respects and revere the tomb of the lamented legend as a symbol of peace in the country.
Standing high in the sanctuary of Thin Ruh Park in the capital city, Male, is the historical Tsunami Monument, commemorating the lives lost by the devastating Boxing Day tsunami in 2004. The freestanding steel structure adorned with spheres is a work of remarkable architecture, where the 20 steel spheres symbolise the atolls of the archipelagic country, while the soaring pillars depict the tsunami waves that hit the islands.
