President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has conferred the people of HA. Utheemu with a presidential honor in recognition of their contributions towards protecting and promoting the Maldives’ national heritage.
The Presidential Honour for Distinguished Service to the Nation of Maldives was formally conferred to Utheemu during the National Day reception held at the island on Sunday morning.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu arrives in HA. Utheemu for the National Day function on August 24, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
According to the President’s Office, the honor was bestowed in recognition of the steadfast commitment of the people of Utheemu in preserving and maintaining the Utheemu Ganduvaru or the Utheemu Palace, a site of profound national importance that dates back to nearly five centuries.
Utheemu Palace. (Photo/Coral Glass)
The Utheemu Palace is the birthplace and home of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, one of the most revered heroes in Maldivian history.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu arrives in HA. Utheemu for the National Day function on August 24, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
In 1558, the Portuguese invaded the Maldives, killing Sultan Ali VI in battle and establishing their rule over Maldives. Mohamed Thakurufaanu, and his brothers Ali and Hassan left the Maldives to Minicoy to make preparations for their campaign to free the country from Portuguese rule. They returned to the Maldives, and led an eight-year-long fight to free the country from the Portuguese. In order to evade capture, they would land on different islands in the darkness of the night, fought the Portuguese and left before daybreak. Eventually they landed in Male’ and defeated the Portuguese leadership in the capital.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu arrives in HA. Utheemu for the National Day function on August 24, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
The Maldivian National Day celebrates the victory of Mohamed Thakurufaanu over the Portuguese occupation in 1573.
Free from the shackles of the Portuguese, the people chose Mohamed Thukurufaanu as the Sultan. He ruled the Maldives for 12 years until his death in 1585.
Utheemu Palace. (Photo/Coral Glass)
The Utheemu Palace is a symbol of Maldivian heritage and architecture, reflecting traditional craftsmanship and design. It consists of wooden structures with intricate carvings, typical of Maldivian architecture of that era.