National Day is a day to nurture national spirit and love, and to learn historical lessons. The Maldives, with its independent history spanning over 4,000 years, has faced threats of subjugation and protectorate from various powers at different times. However, due to the heroes who sacrificed themselves for the nation, independence has always been safeguarded.
The most significant subjugation faced by Maldivians was the Portuguese conquest of the Maldives in 1558. After attacking Male’ for the third time and martyring the then-reigning Sultan Ali VI, they took control of the Maldivian throne. The Portuguese established their headquarters in Male’ and sent their rulers to the atolls. For nearly 10 years, they enslaved Maldivians, and later began looting houses, abusing people, and attempting to impose their religion on Maldivians.
During this tumultuous period, three individuals from Utheem in North Thiladhunmathi – Utheem Muhammad Thakurufaanu, Hassan Thakurufaanu, and Ali Thakurufaanu – rose to defend the nation. They were joined by people from Maliku and Duvaafaru. With great care and strategy, they waged a five-year-long war, killing Portuguese soldiers stationed across different parts of the Maldives and liberating one island at a time. Finally, with the conquest of the capital Male’, the 15-year-long period of subjugation came to an end.
Although Utheem Muhammad Thakurufaanu had the opportunity to live a comfortable life with Portuguese support, he prioritized the nation’s independence and sovereignty over his personal comfort. Due to the courageous jihad of him and his army, the Maldivian nation regained its independence.
Today’s National Day is a day that reminds us to learn learn from the courage of these heroes and to always revive and nurture the love and affection for our nation.
