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As-Sulṭaan al-Ghaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-A’uẓam is considered as the national hero of the Maldives for driving out the Portuguese who ruled over the Maldives from 1558-1573, a gruesome 15 years and 6 month’s of enslavement. His noble endeavour to achieve freedom for the country accorded him the nation’s hero and champion, among other honourifics. His victory is commemorated in the Maldives as Qaumee Dhuvas or National Day. He was also the first Maldivian king to form a unified military body.
Born in HA. Utheem, Muhammad Thakurufaanu, also called Bodu Thakurufaanu, is the luminary of Bodu Thiladhunmathi.
To celebrate and recognize Muhammadh Thakurufaanu’s valour, he has been awarded certain distinctions. The following are some of the famous landmarks in the country, named in his honour,
1. Masjidul Sultaan Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-A’uẓam
In his first five year’s of administration, Former President Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom pledged to build a mosque in the capital Male’. With the generous aid from many islamic countries, Maldives was able to build its largest mosque in 1984. The Grand Friday Mosque, was officially named Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam, in honor of the hero who liberated Maldives from the clutches of the Portuguese rulers.
The elegant mosque with its magnificent golden dome is evident on the skyline of Malé. With the grand interior walls decorated with beautiful woodcarvings and Arabic calligraphy, the mosque is a celebrated work of architectural splendour in the country.
2. Utheemu Bandaara’inge Miskiyy
Built in HA. Utheem, the mosque stands out in glory, a testament to Muhammadh Thakurufaanu’s love for Islam. The mosque was built in remembrance of him and is spacious enough to accommodate over 1000 worshippers.
3. Bodu Thakurufaan Magu, Male’
The most outer road (magu) that surrounds the capital of Maldives, Male’, is the longest and main road of the city. The road is called “Bodu Thakurufaanu Magu”, named after the Maldivian saviour and hero. To name the most important and biggest road that maps out to surround the city in his name symbolises the significance of Muhammadh Thakurufaanu’s battle to achieve the country its freedom.
4. Utheemu Ganduvaru
Despite the many years that has passed, Utheemu Gan’duvaru remains one of the few historical landmarks that has been well preserved and sheltered from harm. Historians believe that this palace is one of the oldest remaining historical sites in the country. The palace is roughly over 500 years old.
Experts in archeology and history believes that, the palace had a contrasting built, compared to buildings of its age and time. Nevertheless, Utheemu Ganduvaru is the wooden palace in which Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu lived and grew up. It is well preserved and evokes more than any other existing building in the Maldives, the lifestyle of the rich, centuries ago.
5. Bodu Thakurufaanu Memorial Center
The Memorial Center was built in HA. Utheem, the birth place of Muhammad Thakurufaanu, in his honour. The aim of the center is to preserve the artefacts, tales and archeological antiquities to the generations to come.
The memorial center comprises of a school, library, administrative office and an event hall. It was opened in October 10, 1986, by Former President Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom. In order to narrate the historical tales related to this center, a website also has been developed.
6. National Day of Maldives
Muhammad Thakurufaanu’s victory is commemorated in the Maldives as Qaumee Dhuvas or National Day. Maldivians celebrate National Day in his honour for being the hero who brought them a taste of freedom after being mercilessly enslaved by Portuguese colonisers.
Maldives was liberated from the Portugese rule after 15 years and 6 months under the captaincy and leadership of Muhammad Thakurufaanu, on Rabi ul Awwal 1 (Hijri). Every year this day is celebrated as the National Day of Maldives. The country celebrated National
Day for the first time on February 4, 1946 (1365 in Hijri).
Here are ten names or honorifics that are used to address Bodu Thakurufaanu:
1. As-Sulṭaan al-Ghaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-A’uẓam
2. Utheemu Bodu Muhammad
3. Utheemu Muhammad Thakurufaanu
4. Bodu Thakurufaanu (The older sibling among two)
5. Utheemu Kathib Thakurufaanu
6. Al-Ghaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-A’uẓam Siri Savaadhi’tha Mahaaradhun
7. Ghaazee Bandaara’in
8. Utheemu Mahaaradhun
9. Ghaazee Radhun
10. Al-Ghaazee Muhammad Shamshuddin
These names are common names used to address him in different historical texts as well as his royal titles after he was crowned King of Maldives.
Bodu Thiladhunmathi Bodu Thakurufaanu passed away on August 26, 1585. Today marks the 435th year since his demise.
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