President Muizzu Unveils Bodu Thakurufaanu Gateway to Celebrate Maldives' National Liberation

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu officially inaugurated the ‘Bodu Thakurufaanu Dhoraashi’ in Utheemu, Haa Alifu Atoll, on Saturday. The commemorative gateway was unveiled during a formal ceremony coinciding with National Day celebrations, marking a key milestone in the government’s ‘Reviving Ghazi Radhun’s Memory’ initiative. The monument serves as a tribute to Sultan al-Ghazi Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam Siri Savadheetha Maha Radhun, revered as Bodu Thakurufaanu. It commemorates the liberation of the Maldives from Portuguese colonial rule following his victory 467 years ago. The structure is strategically located at the island's harbor, complementing the existing monument dedicated to the historic sailing vessel ‘Kalhuohfummi’. Architecturally, the gateway is designed with six primary pillars inspired by ancient mosques. Each pillar honors a pivotal figure from the maritime campaign: Mohamed Thakurufaanu, his brothers Ali and Hassan Thakurufaanu, Dhuvaafaru Dhandahelu, and Ali and Hassan Haji of Thimarafushi. The design integrates replicas of sixteenth-century lacquerwork and traditional stone carvings, while six lanterns illuminate the upper tier at night. A central portal, modeled after early mosque entranceways, symbolizes Bodu Thakurufaanu’s defense of the Islamic faith. The foundation features the state emblem and early ‘Thaana’ script, alongside an engraving of the poem ‘Thaareekhee Handhaan’ by the late Mohamed Jameel Didi. Officials from the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage stated that the gateway represents the practical implementation of a broader policy to safeguard physical legacies and monetize cultural heritage. By establishing Utheemu as a premier heritage destination, the administration aims to stimulate the local economy. The government expects this development to drive demand for guesthouses, restaurants, maritime transport, and local handicrafts, creating new economic opportunities for the island's residents while enhancing public services.