Fascinating Culture of the Maldivian Islands
Monday, 30 July 2012 08:40
By Srimal Fernando
The Maldives islands of the Indian
Ocean is one of world's
most spectacular tropical paradise destinations known for its exquisite scenery and for its
noteworthy rich cultural past. Filled with over a hundred of palm-fringed
white sand beaches this picturesque double
chain of islands of Maldives
stretches in a north-south direction 500km from the Southern tip of both Sri Lanka and off India’s Laksha-dweep islands. A country with its
magnificent heritage, glorious culture with its rich royal past has passed through several stages during its history. In 1153 A.D the Persian and the Arab
travelers converted the people of this Island
nation from Buddhism to Islam. After the conversion of the first known king of
the Malay dynasty to Islam, the rulers were then known as Sultans. The Ma-lay
or Thimuge dynasty lasted for more than two hundred years. Under the rule of 29
different Sultans the Hilali dynasty prevailed until the Maldives became
a Republic. The country gained its Independence from
Britain
in 26 th July 26th, 1965. Dhivehi the
language of the islanders has its roots in Sanskrit. It is considered as the
most important cultural identity of the Maldivian people. The Maldives
islands
have
undergone tremendous transformation following the changes to the economy. The capital
Male’, pronounced as “Maa-lay” is one destination in the country for which praising words seems
inadequate. It is located at the southern edge of North Male’ Atoll, known as Kaafu
Atoll. One third of
the country’s population is located in this island. It is one destination in the country for
which praising words seems inadequate. Male’ is
dotted with dozens of mosques having sprawling complexes with towering minarets .The iconic 350-year old mosque known as Hukuru Miskiiy
is one of the most recognizable and the best-known monuments in the city that
attracts hundreds of visitors every day. There is no
end to the breath-taking sites visitors can see in the Maldives. Of
those the most exotic popular places of interest are the National
Museum of Maldives, the republic square or Jumhoorie
Maidan, Mulee Aage built in 1906, the mausoleum tomb of Mohammad
Thakurufaanu, Grand Mosque, the Islamic Centre, Esjehi art gallery, Gan war
memorial, the 900 year old Kogannu
cemetery in the Addu Islands and the Pre-Islamic Buddhist Stupa of the Thodhoo islands. The country is
famous for its delicious food, distinctive culinary traditions, snacks and
savories. With the passage of centuries, the country served as a source
of inspiration to musicians, poets and other creative spirits. The countrie’s
culture possesses several distinctive characteristics that give its own unique home grown style. Since the yester years,
Maldivians are known for their love for music, dance,
films , drama and
comedy.
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