President Inaugurates Bodu Thakurufaanu Memorial Gateway in Utheemu
16 August 2026
Updated at: 23 August 2026
President
Inaugurates Bodu Thakurufaanu Memorial Gateway in Utheemu
As part of the Government’s ongoing
efforts to preserve and promote the historical heritage of Utheemu Ghaazee
Bandaarain, who liberated the Maldives from Portuguese colonial rule, the Bodu
Thakurufaanu Memorial Gateway in Ha. Utheemu has been successfully completed
and officially inaugurated. The project was implemented by the Road Development
Corporation (RDC).
The monument was inaugurated by President
Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during a special ceremony held in Utheemu to commemorate National
Day.
The ceremony was attended by Vice
President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Heena
Waleed, RDC Managing Director Ibrahim Nazeem, senior officials of the Utheemu
Island Council, and other senior government representatives.
The Bodu Thakurufaanu Memorial
Gateway was designed as a monument commemorating the historic struggle led by Al-Sultan
Al-Ghaazi Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-Auzam, popularly known as Bodu Thakurufaanu,
to liberate the Maldives from Portuguese rule and colonialism.
The monument features six main
pillars, inspired by the architectural style of ancient Maldivian mosques. Each
pillar represents one of the six heroes who fought for the liberation of the
Maldives aboard the Kalhuohfummi. Muhammad Thakurufaanu, Ali
Thakurufaanu, Hassan Thakurufaanu, Dhuvaafaru Dhandahelu, Thimarafushi Ali
Haji, and Hassan Haji.
The crossbeams feature traditional Liyelaa
Jehun (lacquer work), reflecting the artistic heritage of 16th-century
Maldives. The large central gateway represents the passage into a free nation
and draws inspiration from the distinctive gateways of ancient Maldivian
mosques. It also symbolises Bodu Thakurufaanu’s struggle in defence of Islam
and his efforts to strengthen the faith among Maldivians following the
liberation of the country.
RDC was contracted to develop the Bodu
Thakurufaanu Memorial Gateway in Utheemu on 18 August 2025, at a total project
value of MVR 1,922,340.00.
