News Desk
HA. UTHEEMU — President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officially opened a historic monument gateway in HA. Utheemu to mark this year’s National Day, honouring the iconic struggle of Al-Sultan Al-Ghaazee Mohamed Thakurufaanu Al-Auzam against Portuguese rule.
Designed using elements from traditional Maldivian mosque architecture, the gateway features six central pillars. Each pillar represents one of the six heroes who sailed aboard the Kalhuoffummi to liberate the nation: Mohamed Thakurufaanu, Ali Thakurufaanu, Hassan Thakurufaanu, Dhuvaafaru Dandahela, Thimarafushi Ali Haji, and Hassan Haji.
Six lanterns sit atop the structure to symbolise the hope and light brought to the nation, while the archway itself marks a literal path into freedom.
The monument captures 16th-century’s traditional lacquer artwork and features lines from the late Mohamed Jameel Didi’s famous poem Historical Memories, carved in the early Thaana script believed to have become official during Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu’s reign. The stepped base represents national unity, all crowned by the official state emblem.
Utheemu holds a central place in Maldivian history as the birthplace and childhood home of Bodu Thakurufaanu. Along with his brothers and loyal companions, he launched a covert campaign that ended 15 years of harsh Portuguese occupation, securing independence on 1 Rabee-ul-Awwal 981 AH—the historic victory commemorated every year as National Day.
According to the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage, the new gateway is part of a broader government policy to preserve sites linked to Bodu Thakurufaanu.
Officials expect the new historical landmark to draw more visitors to the island, giving a boost to local guesthouses, handicraft artisans, and Utheemu’s local economy.
