History of Muli

Foundation and First Mentions

The exact date of the settlement's founding on the island of Muli, as with many other inhabited islands of the archipelago, is lost to the centuries. Historians believe that the settlement of this part of the atoll occurred during the first waves of migration from South India and Sri Lanka, long before the acceptance of Islam in 1153. For centuries, the island served as a home for communities of fishermen whose lives were inextricably linked with the ocean.

In historical chronicles, the Maldives are often mentioned as a vital link in the trade routes of the Indian Ocean, and Muli, thanks to its location, played a notable role in the life of the region. Over time, it acquired the status of an administrative centre, which cemented its significance among neighbouring islands.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Muli as a significant settlement was driven by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: The island is situated in a strategically convenient part of Meemu Atoll, providing locals with access to both the calm inner waters of the lagoon and the fish-rich open ocean.
• Administrative Status: Muli becoming the capital of the atoll was a turning point in its history. The placement of government institutions and services here attracted new residents and fostered infrastructure development.
• Maritime Trade: Proximity to deep-water channels made the island an ideal base for fishing, which has remained the foundation of the local economy for centuries.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Muli was built entirely on the gifts of the sea. The island's inhabitants were renowned as skilled fishermen and navigators. The primary occupation for men was tuna fishing, which was then processed and exchanged for essential goods brought by trading vessels from the capital or abroad.

Cultural life was formed around close community ties and Islamic traditions. An important part of daily life was the construction of "dhoni" boats—a skill passed down from generation to generation. Early architecture was characterised by the use of coral stone, typical for ancient Maldivian settlements, although few examples of this style have survived to this day.

Major Milestones in the History of Muli

• Ancient Period — Settlement of the island of Muli by migrants from neighbouring Asian regions and the formation of the first permanent fishing communities.
• 1153 — Adoption of Islam by the local population, following the conversion of the rulers of the Maldives, which defined the cultural way of life for centuries to come.
• 1965 — The Maldives gains independence, helping to strengthen Muli's status as the administrative centre of Meemu Atoll.
• 2004 — The devastating Indian Ocean tsunami caused serious damage to the island, becoming a turning point for launching coastal protection and recovery programmes.
• 2017 — Completion of a large-scale land reclamation project, resulting in the expansion of the island's area for future infrastructure construction.
• 2021 — Start of the active phase of constructing the island's own airport, designed to solve the region's transport isolation issues.
• 2025 — Official opening of the Muli airport and the launch of regular passenger flights, marking a new stage in the development of tourism and the island's economy.

Key Stages of Development and Transformation

The development history of Muli is a journey from a traditional fishing village to a modern administrative centre with developing infrastructure. The town has passed through several important stages, each of which radically changed its appearance and economy.

• Designation as Atoll Capital.
  Muli becoming the administrative centre of Meemu Atoll laid the foundation for its urbanisation. This decision led to the concentration of government institutions, the opening of schools, and the creation of a Regional Hospital serving residents of all neighbouring islands.
• Modernisation of the Harbour.
  Dredging the lagoon and building modern quays allowed for the reception of large cargo and passenger vessels. For a town whose life depends on the sea, this became a powerful stimulus for trade development and simplified the logistics of goods delivery from the national capital, the Maldives.
• Post-Crisis Recovery and Coastal Protection.
  After the devastating tsunami of 2004, the town underwent massive reconstruction. New housing construction standards were introduced, and protective structures were erected along the coastline, significantly increasing the safety of living on the island.
• Land Reclamation Programme.
  A critically important stage was the land reclamation project completed in the late 2010s. The artificial increase of the island's area solved the land shortage problem, allowing plots to be allocated for new housing and public zones.
• Airport Construction.
  Building its own air harbour on reclaimed land took Muli's transport accessibility to a new level. The advent of regular air services opened opportunities for rapid transfers for tourists and business travellers, reducing reliance on maritime transport.
• Development of Local Tourism.
  Reorienting the economy from solely fishing to the hospitality sector led to the emergence of guesthouses. This created new jobs and attracted investment in the service sector, restaurants, and excursion bureaus.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Development

The architecture of the island of Muli represents a blend of tradition and modern functionality characteristic of atoll capitals. There are no pompous palaces or skyscrapers here; the town's appearance was formed under the influence of the climate, available materials, and its status as an administrative centre. The urban fabric is clearly divided into the historical part with dense buildings and the new, more spacious districts that emerged as a result of land reclamation.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The development of the island's buildings can be roughly divided into several key stages, each leaving its mark on the visual appearance of the settlement:

• Traditional Maldivian Architecture (until the mid-20th century).
  In the past, the main building materials were coral stone (hirigaa) and coconut palm timber. Although most residential buildings of that era have given way to modern houses, echoes of this style can be found in the masonry of old walls and elements of religious structures. This "organic" style was distinguished by its eco-friendliness and ideal adaptation to the tropical heat.
• Functional Modernism (from the 1980s).
  With the affirmation of its status as the capital of Meemu Atoll, administrative buildings made of concrete and brick began to appear on the island. This period is characterised by simple geometric forms, flat or pitched roofs made of corrugated metal, and the use of bright colours in facade finishing. Government institutions, schools, and the regional hospital were built in this style.
• Modern Infrastructure Architecture (21st Century).
  Recent decades, especially after the 2004 tsunami, have been marked by a transition to more resilient structures. New residential houses and guesthouses are built with safety requirements in mind, often featuring two or three storeys and modern amenities. The pinnacle of this stage was the construction of the airport on reclaimed land, introducing elements of transport industrial aesthetics to the island's landscape.

Landmarks and Layout

The urban structure of Muli reflects its dual role as a quiet home for locals and an important hub for the entire region of the Maldives.

• Historical Centre and Mosques. The heart of the town is traditionally the mosque. Spiritual structures here stand out for their immaculate upkeep and often serve as the main architectural landmarks around which residential quarters with narrow, shaded streets are formed.
• Harbour Area. The waterfront is the economic facade of the town. Commercial activity is concentrated here, with shops and cafes located nearby. The architecture here is utilitarian but picturesque thanks to the multitude of dhoni boats moored at the quay.
• New Territories (Reclaimed Land). The artificially created zone differs from the old town with a more regular layout. Wide straight roads and prepared plots for development create a contrast with the labyrinth of old alleyways, symbolising the island's aspiration towards the future.

Outstanding Personalities and Local Traditions

Unlike places where history revolves around the names of sultans or famous commanders, the chronicle of the island of Muli is written by its residents. The main asset of this land has always been its close-knit community, whose craftsmanship, diligence, and deep knowledge of the ocean are passed down from generation to generation.

• Generations of Fishermen
  Masters of the Ocean Trade
  Muli is rightfully considered one of the key fishing centres of the region. Local men are famous for their ability to find rich fishing grounds in the open ocean, often relying on the experience of their ancestors and knowledge of currents. Fishing, especially for yellowfin tuna, is not just a job here, but a way of life that shapes the character of the islanders: resilient, patient, and inextricably linked to the sea.
• Skilled Boatbuilders
  Guardians of Maritime Crafts
  For centuries, the island was known for its craftsmen who mastered the art of building and repairing traditional "dhoni" boats. The ability to create a reliable and fast vessel from timber was highly valued in the atoll, and these skills allowed the local fleet to become one of the most effective. Today, these traditions are transforming, combining with modern vessel maintenance technologies.
• Residents of the Administrative Capital
  Intellectual and Social Hub
  The status of Meemu Atoll's capital has turned Muli into a magnet for educated and active people. A significant stratum of doctors, teachers, and civil servants has formed here, ensuring the operation of the regional hospital, schools, and government departments. It is thanks to their work that the island serves as a pillar for residents of neighbouring parts of the Maldives who come here for services and education.
• Traditions of Hospitality
  Culture of Island Welcome
  As on many inhabited islands of the archipelago, traditions of good neighbourliness and respect for guests are strong in Muli. The local culture of hospitality is devoid of intrusiveness; tourists are met here calmly and amicably, with a readiness to help navigate daily life and introduce the way of life that has remained hidden from the eyes of the outside world for centuries.