Minister of Maldivian Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim has said that the aim is to establish a Maldivian heritage sector within these 5 years, as exists in other countries of the world. The Minister said that the ministry is working on many initiatives to achieve this. In a special interview given to PSM News, Minister of Maldivian Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim said that one of the most important things they want to achieve during this term is the establishment of a Maldivian heritage sector.
“What we mean by a heritage sector is, in fact, for us to understand our culture in its clear meaning. To understand what is heritage or what is not heritage in its clear meaning,” the Minister said. Reminding that the most important heritage Maldivians have is the Maldivian language, Minister Adam Naseer said that Maldivians have many other heritages as well. Therefore, it is very important to have a community at the island level that advocates for this, is concerned about this, or is aware of this and wants to preserve heritage in a good way.
Noting that this is something that must be done, the Minister said that with the establishment of a heritage sector in the Maldives, heritage information will become public and reach younger generations, which will pave the way for the creation of heritage monuments in the islands as well. Highlighting this, the Minister gave an example. “I think libraries are very rare in the Maldives. Even in homes, bookshelves are very rare. So then we will have writers who will write about our things. The books written will be available to see. I hope we can reach that point,” the Minister said.
In addition, the Minister said that if a heritage sector is established in the Maldives, he believes that when designing various places, they will be designed with Maldivian characteristics. Whether it’s designing guesthouses, restaurants, or food stalls, or road construction or planting trees, he believes that in each of these things, Maldivian characteristics will be seen. Noting that it is Maldivians who will work for Maldivian independence, the Minister has appealed for everyone to work to maintain Maldivian identity.
