History of Gan

Ancient Roots and First Settlements

The history of Gan island is rooted in deep antiquity, making it impossible to pinpoint an exact founding date. Archaeological findings discovered within the Addu Atoll indicate that these lands were inhabited as early as the pre-Islamic period. A developed Buddhist civilization existed here, leaving behind ruins of stupas and temples, making this region a unique historical monument of the Maldives.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of Gan from a traditional island settlement into a significant transport and economic hub was driven by several key factors:

• Strategic Geography: Its location at the very south of the archipelago in the centre of the Indian Ocean made the island a convenient stopover point for merchant and military vessels.
• Natural Conditions: Gan is one of the largest islands in the country with fertile soil and fresh water reserves, which historically allowed for the development of agriculture, which is atypical for coral atolls.
• British Influence: A decisive moment in modern history was the establishment of the secret naval base "Port T" here in 1941, and later, the Royal Air Force base (RAF Gan). It was the British who built the infrastructure, including the airport that functions to this day.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Due to the prolonged presence of the British military (up until 1976), the economy and culture of Gan developed differently than on the other islands. The local population was actively involved in servicing the base, which provided early access to electricity, modern medical services, and the English language. This legacy formed a distinct, more European-influenced lifestyle and architectural appearance of the island, which is preserved to this day.

Key Historical Milestones

• Pre-Islamic Period: Archaeological finds confirm that Gan island was inhabited by Buddhist communities long before the official adoption of Islam in the 12th century.
• 1941: During World War II, the British fleet established the secret base "Port T" here to protect strategic routes in the Indian Ocean.
• 1957: The facility was transferred to the Royal Air Force (RAF), after which large-scale construction of the runway and modern infrastructure began.
• 1959: The island became the centre of the self-proclaimed United Suvadive Republic when the southern atolls declared independence from the capital of the Maldives.
• 1963: The Suvadive Republic was disbanded, and the region peacefully returned under the jurisdiction of the central government.
• 1976: The British military finally departed the base, leaving behind developed infrastructure, including a functioning airfield and power station.
• 1980s: The buildings of the former officers' barracks were reconstructed and turned into the Equator Village hotel, marking the beginning of tourism on the island.
• 2007: Gan Airport received international status and began accepting the first civil flights from abroad.
• 2011: The 17th SAARC Summit was held in Addu Atoll, giving a powerful impulse to the renewal of roads and the urban environment of Gan.
• 2016: The expansion of the runway was completed, allowing the airport to accommodate large long-haul airliners.
• Present Time: Gan has established itself as the country's second most important transport and tourism hub, combining resort leisure with historical heritage.

Development Stages and Their Significance

The development of Gan island followed a unique scenario, distinct from other regions of the Maldives. The transformation from a closed military base into an open tourism and transport hub defined the modern look and economy of the city. Below are the key stages of transformation and their contribution to island life:

• Creation of Capital Infrastructure (RAF Base Period)

  The British presence gifted the island with a clear urban layout, a water supply system, and the first power station in the southern archipelago. The stone buildings of barracks and officers' clubs, preserved to our days, formed a "European" architectural landscape atypical for the tropics.

• Transformation of Military Airfield into Civil Airport

  Preserving and modernizing the runway after the military departure allowed Gan to become the main air gateway for the southern atolls. This ensured the region's transport independence from the capital and simplified cargo logistics.

• Construction of the Link Road Causeway

  Connecting Gan via a causeway to neighbouring islands (Feydhoo, Maradhoo, and Hithadhoo) created the unified agglomeration of Addu City. This gave residents of neighbouring islands access to jobs at the airport and hotels in Gan, significantly enlivening the economy of the entire atoll.

• Adapting Heritage for Tourism (Opening of Equator Village)

  The decision not to demolish but to reconstruct the former military dormitories into a tourist hotel became an example of intelligent use of historical heritage. This marked the beginning of cultural and educational tourism, attracting travellers interested in history, not just beach leisure.

• Urban Modernization for the SAARC Summit (2011)

  Preparation for the international summit brought the city a large-scale renewal of the road network, improvement of embankments, and the construction of the Convention Centre. These changes increased the quality of the urban environment and made Gan a venue for business events.

• Designation as an International Hub

  The launch of direct flights from other countries (for example, from Sri Lanka and South Africa at various times) finally consolidated Gan's status as the country's second economic centre, capable of receiving tourists directly, bypassing the busy airport in Male.

Urban Planning Features and British Heritage

The architectural appearance of Gan island differs radically from the traditional development of other islands in the Maldives. There are no chaotic narrow streets or dense low-rise housing characteristic of the capital. The urban space is formed according to the principles of British military urban planning of the mid-20th century: a clear grid of wide streets, regular layout of blocks, and an abundance of greenery, reminiscent of the "garden city" concept.

Architectural Eras and Styles

The island's development is clearly divided into two main periods, each leaving its mark on the visual perception of the area:

• Era of British Presence (1941–1976): The dominant style is military functionalism with elements of colonial architecture adapted to the tropics. Buildings of this period (barracks, officers' clubs, administrative corps) are distinguished by the conciseness of forms, structural durability, high ceilings for natural ventilation, and spacious verandas. The materials used were concrete, local stone, and corrugated iron.
• Modern Period (from 2000s): Characterized by adaptive reuse and modern functionalism. Old military structures are reconstructed into hotels and shops, while new buildings (airport terminal, convention centres) are built using glass and steel, while maintaining a low building height.

Iconic Buildings and Structures

The uniqueness of Gan lies in the fact that its main attractions are not palaces or ancient temples, but examples of engineering and military architecture of the last century:

• Equator Village: Former Royal Air Force officers' barracks converted into a tourist complex. The building has preserved its historical flavour: long corridors, arched doorways, and well-groomed English gardens in the inner courtyards.
• Astra Cinema: A restored cinema building from the British era. This is a rare example for the region of leisure centre architecture from the mid-20th century, which is still used for its intended purpose.
• Gan Airport Building: Combines historical elements of Air Force infrastructure and modern extensions. The runway itself is a monument to the engineering art of that time, designed to accommodate heavy aviation.
• Equatorial Convention Centre: An example of modern architecture built for the SAARC summit. The building stands out against the backdrop of historical development with its scale and modern facade design.

Historical Figures and Famous Guests

The history of Gan island is closely intertwined with the fates of military commanders, political leaders, and monarchs. Their decisions and visits formed the unique image of this place, distinguishing it on the map of the Maldives.

• Admiral James Somerville
  Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Fleet (1942–1944)
  A key figure of the World War II period. It was he who chose Addu Atoll for the creation of the secret naval base "Port T". This strategic decision marked the beginning of massive construction and the transformation of the secluded island into a powerful military and transport hub.
• Abdullah Afeef Didi
  Leader of the United Suvadive Republic (1959–1963)
  A native of the atoll who worked as a translator for the British administration. He became the central figure of the movement for the autonomy of the southern provinces. Under his leadership, the republic was proclaimed with Gan as its centre, forever inscribing the island into the political history of the region.
• Ibrahim Nasir
  Prime Minister, then second President of the Maldives
  Played a decisive role in the diplomatic settlement of the British base status. His negotiations led to the peaceful return of the region under the jurisdiction of the central government and defined the conditions under which the British left behind the developed airport infrastructure.
• Queen Elizabeth II
  Queen of the United Kingdom
  Visited the RAF Gan base on an official visit in 1972, arriving on the Royal Yacht Britannia. This event became a symbol of the island's close ties with Great Britain and is still warmly remembered by old-timers as one of the brightest moments in the city's history.
• Mohamed Nasheed
  Fourth President of the Maldives
  Initiator of holding the 17th SAARC Summit on Gan in 2011. This decision gave a powerful impulse to the economy: new roads were built, a convention centre was constructed, and the international airport was modernized, finally cementing the island's status as the tourism and business centre of the south.