Balmy trade winds brought prosperity to this independent country until the sixteenth century when the Portuguese took more than a passing interest. History creates legendary heroes. It is during this time of Portuguese threat that one of the greatest Maldivian heroes, Mohammed Thakurufaan, was born on the island of Utheem in the northern atoll of Thiladhummathi. As young Mohammed grew to manhood, the Portuguese manned a powerful expedition against The Maldives. Captain Andreas Andre, known as Andhiri Andhirin defeated the Sultan Ali VI, last ruler of the Hilali Dynasty. For fifteen years the invaders tried to maintain control over the islands. But The Maldives were scattered over seas that were often as dangerous as attacks by brave Maldivians waging daring warfare against the colonialist’s.
Today one can still hear songs and stories, which tell of Mohammed Thakurufaan wiping out the entire Portuguese garrison. The great Mohammed’s twelve years of peaceful reign was one of prosperity and reform. He died in 1585 AD, but his Utheemu Dynasty ruled for 127 years with twelve rulers. The winds of war are never even in idyllic islands. They faced a new threat from the Coast of South India. The Raja of Cannanore dispatched a raiding party to attack Male’. The royal palace was destroyed and the Sultan sent into exile; he never returned. Maldivian forces soon repelled the Malabar forces, drove them back, and under the leadership of Ghazi Hassan lzzaddeen, the Huraage Dynasty was founded. The Huraage Dynasty prevailed until 1968 when the Maldives became a Republic. After the Malabar episode, The Maldives established diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka. The two countries formed an alliance that continued throughout Sri Lanka’s Dutch and then British colonial periods. A sharp sense for trade and a remarkable ability to keep their own world in tact has allowed the Maldivians to maintain relations with many countries, especially Sri Lanka which still supplies many imported goods.
Protection against foreign influences, however, comes from a desire to exist as their fathers had, in a close-knit society; a national ‘family’ (that is close to Allah). Like the coral reefs that protect the islands, Maldivians maintain a commitment to keep their own world to themselves, to maintain the Maldivian culture and to protect it from the sometimes negative effects of outsiders.
The paved and unpaved streets are symbolic of The Maldives blending tradition and progress to better the lives of its inhabitants. Male’ is divided into four traditional wards: Henveyru, Galolhu, Machchangoli, and Maafannu. All manners of goods are brought to Male’ from the far flung atolls and imports pass through the capital daily. The Mulee Aage, built in 1913, is the President’s official residence located in the centre of the capital. The residence with its intricate white carvings built by Maldivian designers and Sri Lankan architects, is a lovely, graceful complex.
The Friday Mosque or Hukuru Misikiy is a short distance away from the presidential residence. The mosque dates from 1656 and contains wood carvings which give accounts of the conversion of the Maldives to Islam. The surrounding courtyard houses the tombstones of past rulers. The drum shaped Munnaaru, built in 1675, towers over the capital summoning the devout to prayers five times a day. Every Friday, thousands congregate at this mosque to offer prayers. When prayer time is over, the people might make their way to the seafront’s busy Marine Drive. Marine Drive’s diversity clearly represents the contrast of life in Male.
While modern, white-washed government offices are situated on this busy street, one can also enjoy the busy activity in late afternoon or early morning at the fish market or stop by local stores which sell assorted goods. Then perhaps a cafe that overlooks the ever-changing sparkling waters of the harbour will offer a quiet rest. In Male’, especially on the western ward of Maafannu, tall trees shades the larger residential area of the capital.
Source: http://www.holidays-in-maldives.com/index.html ,
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maldives/male ,
http://www.themaldives.com/maldives/Maldives-History.htm