On 27 February, the Maldives observes National History Day, a tradition introduced in 2018 to honour Al-Ghazi Hassan Thaajuddeen, regarded as the nation’s first historian to produce a comprehensive scholarly account of Maldivian history.
Officials say the observance was created to strengthen appreciation of history, culture, and customs, while safeguarding the broader Maldivian narrative. It also serves as a formal occasion to honour national heroes and to renew public recognition of their service to the state.
Educators and civic leaders argue that historical awareness is essential to cultivating citizens with a deep affection for their nation. They note that instilling patriotism and curiosity about the past among students is central to national identity. History, they note, is humanity’s collective record, preserved through written documents and oral traditions. The maxim that “a population without history is a population without a past” underscores the belief that national survival and progress depend upon the preservation and study of history.
The Maldivian historical narrative is expansive. Recent scholarship suggests the origins of the Maldives may extend back 10,000 years, with evidence of continuous habitation and organised statehood enduring for nearly 4,000 years. This legacy has shaped local identity and drawn sustained international interest. Among those who have chronicled the Maldivian past are Ibn Battuta, François Pyrard de Laval, HCP Bell, Lars Vilgon, Clarence Maloney, and Dr Ponnampalam Ragupathy.
Despite this rich heritage, advocates warn that a more coordinated effort is urgently needed to impart historical knowledge to younger generations. While historical studies have been incorporated into certain collegiate courses, the broader effort remains far from optimal. Educators contend that true comprehension requires vivid accounts of early Maldivians, their monuments, and the immense labour behind them. Cultural leaders urge Maldivians to learn actively from the past, fostering a society that extracts lessons from its history and takes enduring pride in its national heritage.