History of Male

The history of Male, the capital of the Republic of Maldives, is closely interwoven with the history of the entire archipelago. The city, which grew on a small island in the Indian Ocean, has been the centre of the political, religious, and economic life of the islanders for centuries.

Foundation and Early Period

The exact date of the city's foundation is unknown, but the first settlements on the island presumably appeared thanks to migrants from South India and Sri Lanka. The name "Male" is believed to derive from a Sanskrit word meaning "big house" or "palace," which likely indicated the ruler's residence. A key moment in the history of the city and the entire country was the year 1153, when the local ruler accepted Islam, and Male officially became the centre of the Sultanate. From that time on, the city served as the residence for 93 sultans from six dynasties.

Key Factors of Development

The development of Male as a capital was driven by several factors:

• Geographical Location: Its central position in the chain of atolls made Male a natural administrative and trading hub, connecting the scattered islands of the archipelago.
• Political Power: For centuries, Male was the "Sultan's Island," where all political and spiritual power was concentrated. All important decisions were made here, reinforcing its status as the capital.
• Trade: The city was an important port in the Indian Ocean. The main export goods were cowrie shells, which were used as currency in many countries of Asia and Africa, as well as coconut ropes (coir) and dried tuna.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The early culture of Male represented a unique combination of South Asian, Arab, and Islamic traditions. This was reflected in the architecture, for example, in the Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiy), built in 1658 from coral stone and decorated with intricate carvings. The economy depended entirely on marine resources — fishing and trade. All economic activity, controlled by the Sultan, was centred around the capital, ensuring its prosperity and influence over the entire region.

Timeline of Key Events

The history of Male is a reflection of the history of all the Maldives islands, from the ancient Buddhist period to the modern republic.

• ~ 5th Century BC — The first settlements appear, presumably founded by Buddhists from Sri Lanka and India, laying the foundation for the future capital.
• 1153 — The Maldivian ruler accepts Islam, and Male becomes the capital of the Islamic Sultanate, which defined the cultural and religious development of the city for centuries to come.
• 1558 — Portuguese colonisers capture Male, establishing their control over the archipelago.
• 1573 — A national uprising led by Muhammad Thakurufaanu expels the Portuguese, and he becomes the new Sultan and a national hero.
• 1752 — The city was captured and looted by Malabar pirates from India, but their rule was short-lived.
• 16 December 1887 — The Maldivian Sultanate signs a protectorate agreement with the British Empire, resulting in Male becoming an administrative centre under British protection.
• 1932 — The first constitution is adopted, and the Maldives becomes a constitutional sultanate, marking the first step towards modern statehood.
• 1 January 1953 — The First Republic is proclaimed, however, the restoration of the Sultanate occurs in August of the same year.
• 26 July 1965 — The Maldives gains full independence from Great Britain, opening a new chapter in the country's history.
• 11 November 1968 — Following a referendum, the Maldives finally becomes a presidential republic, and Male is confirmed in its status as its capital.
• 1972 — The first tourist resort, Kurumba Village, opens in the vicinity of Male, marking the beginning of the tourism industry, which became the backbone of the economy.
• 3 November 1988 — An attempted coup d'état involving Tamil mercenaries takes place in Male, successfully suppressed with the support of Indian troops.
• 26 December 2004 — Male and the entire archipelago suffer seriously from the powerful Indian Ocean tsunami, leading to widespread destruction.
• 2008 — The country holds its first-ever democratic multi-party presidential elections.

Key Milestones in Male's Development

The modern appearance of Male is the result of rapid transformations in the 20th and 21st centuries. Having been the residence of sultans for centuries, the city has changed radically, turning into a densely populated economic and infrastructural centre of the Maldives.

• Start of the Tourism Era (1972): The opening of the first resort, Kurumba Village, near the capital marked the beginning of the tourism industry. This event was a turning point for Male's economy, transforming it from a centre of fishing and trade into a gateway for international tourism, which stimulated the development of infrastructure and the service sector.
• Large-scale City Modernisation (late 1960s — 1980s): After the abolition of the monarchy in 1968 and the proclamation of the republic, the government initiated a massive reconstruction of the capital. This period was marked by active construction, the appearance of modern buildings, and the development of urban infrastructure, laying the foundation for future growth.
• Construction of the Islamic Centre (1984): The erection of the Grand Friday Mosque, also known as the Islamic Centre, was a significant cultural and architectural event. This monumental building with a golden dome is not only the largest mosque in the country but also symbolises the Islamic identity of the modern capital.
• Protection from the Elements (1990s): As part of a project implemented with the support of Japan, powerful breakwaters were erected around Male. These protective structures proved vital during the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, significantly reducing damage to the densely populated capital.
• Creation of the Artificial Island Hulhumalé (since 1997): The launch of the project to create and develop the new island of Hulhumalé near Male was a response to the problem of overpopulation in the capital. This large-scale urban planning project allowed for the expansion of residential and commercial zones, as well as the relocation of some administrative and social facilities.
• Modernisation of Velana International Airport: Located on the neighbouring island of Hulhulé, the airport has been constantly expanded and modernised to serve the growing flow of tourists. The appearance of a new runway and terminals strengthened Male's status as the country's main transport hub.
• Opening of the Sinamalé Bridge (2018): The construction of the 2-kilometre bridge connecting Male with the islands of Hulhulé (where the airport is located) and Hulhumalé became a major infrastructural achievement. The bridge radically improved transport accessibility, simplifying logistics for residents and tourists and symbolising a new stage in the development of the capital agglomeration.

The architectural appearance of Male is a unique combination of traditional island techniques, colonial heritage, and modern functionalism dictated by land scarcity. Unlike European capitals, there are no buildings in the Gothic, Renaissance, or Baroque styles here; the city's development followed its own path, reflecting its geographical and historical realities.

Traditional Maldivian Architecture

Historically, construction in Male was carried out using local materials. The main one was coral stone, from which the walls of buildings were erected. Blocks were perfectly fitted to each other without the use of cement mortar, demonstrating the high skill of ancient builders. The brightest example of this style is the Old Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiy), built in 1658. Its coral stone walls are decorated with intricate carvings featuring Arabic calligraphy, and the interiors feature lacquer panels and elements made of precious woods. This mosque is a candidate for the UNESCO World Heritage List and symbolises the fusion of Islamic and distinct Maldivian cultural traditions.

Colonial Influence and Transitional Period

In the early 20th century, European features appeared in the architecture of Male. A landmark building of this era is the Mulee-aage Palace, built in 1919 for the Sultan. Designed by Ceylonese architects, it is executed in a colonial style, which was a departure from traditional construction methods and marked a new stage in the architectural development of the capital.

Modern Development and Urbanism

With the development of tourism and population growth in the last third of the 20th century, Male faced the problem of acute land shortage. This led to dense vertical development: the city filled with narrow multi-storey buildings made of concrete. The prevailing style became functional modernism, where aesthetics gave way to practicality. The most outstanding architectural project of this period was the Islamic Centre, opened in 1984. Its huge golden dome and tall minaret dominate the cityscape, serving as a symbol of modern Islamic architecture and one of the largest in South Asia.

21st Century Urban Planning

In response to the continuing overpopulation of Male and the threat of rising sea levels, ambitious urban planning projects were launched in the 21st century. Key among them were:

• Creation of the Artificial Island Hulhumalé: This new district, connected to Male, is designed to house residents of the capital and accommodate modern residential and commercial infrastructure.
• Construction of the Sinamalé Bridge (2018): The bridge linking Male with the islands of Hulhulé (airport) and Hulhumalé radically changed the transport system of the capital agglomeration.
• Floating City Project: Construction is underway near the capital for an innovative floating city, which will be able to accommodate up to 20,000 people and serves as a response to climate challenges.

Prominent Figures in the History of Male

The history of Male and all the Maldives islands is inextricably linked with the activities of outstanding rulers and reformers whose decisions defined the appearance and destiny of the capital. Many of them left behind not only a political legacy but also iconic architectural monuments.

• Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam — A national hero of the Maldives. In the 16th century, he led a popular uprising against the Portuguese invaders and liberated the country in 1573, putting an end to 15 years of occupation. He is revered as a liberator, and the day of his victory is celebrated as National Day.
• Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I — A 17th-century ruler who left a significant mark on the architecture of Male. In 1658, by his decree, the Old Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiy) was built, which remains one of the most important historical monuments of the capital today, known for its unique coral stone carving.
• Mohamed Amin Didi — A key figure in the modern history of the Maldives. He became the first president of the country after the abolition of the Sultanate and the proclamation of the First Republic on 1 January 1953. His rule was short-lived, but it laid the foundations for the future modernisation of the country.
• Ibrahim Nasir — The second president of the Republic of Maldives, who ruled from 1968 to 1978. It was he who led the country to full independence from Great Britain in 1965. Under Nasir, the development of the tourism industry began, which radically changed the economy of the Maldives and turned Male into the country's international gateway.
• Maumoon Abdul Gayoom — The president who ruled the country for 30 years, from 1978 to 2008. His era was marked by large-scale modernisation and economic growth. Major infrastructure projects were implemented in Male, new government buildings were constructed, as well as the Islamic Centre, the golden dome of which has become a symbol of the modern city.