Maldives: Qaumee Dhuvas 2023: Date, History, Facts about Maldives

Qaumee Dhuvas means ‘National Day’ in the Maldivian language and is celebrated annually on the first day of Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar, which falls on September 16 this year. This national holiday commemorates the 1573 victory of Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam over the Portuguese occupation. Qaumee Dhuvas celebrations typically include route marches and demonstrations on the streets of Malé and the islands. Occasionally, there would also be flag-raising ceremonies and pyrotechnics to mark the occasion.

The background of Maldives: Qaumee Dhuvas

In 1558, the Portuguese, commanded by ‘Andiri Andirin,’ attacked the Maldives, assassinated Sultan Ali VI of the Maldives, and established colonial rule. Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam and his two brothers, Ali and Hasan, led an insurrection in 1573 when the Portuguese attempted to impose Christianity on Muslim islanders under the threat of the death penalty. Al-Auzam executed Andirin, putting an end to 15 years of colonial rule. He was then appointed Sultan and ruled for 12 years until 1585, reputedly as a just and considerate ruler.

Al-Auzam was born in Utheemu, Maldives, on January 16, 1535. His parents were Island Chief Husain of Utheemu in Thiladhummathi Atoll and Lady Amina Dio of Ihavandhoo. Al-Auzam was the first monarch to establish a unified military force, which eventually became the Maldives National Defence Force. On August 26, 1585, he perished of natural causes and is regarded as the national hero of the Maldives. Qaumee Dhuvas is celebrated in remembrance of his victory over the Portuguese in the Maldives.

The Maldives are an archipelago in the Indian Ocean with a Muslim predominance. Islam was introduced by Muslim traders, and Maldivians converted to Islam by the middle of the 12th century, following a lengthy Buddhist period.

5 fascinating facts about the Maldives

The Maldives is the world’s lowest-lying republic, rising no more than six feet above sea level.

The weekend in the Maldives is Friday and Saturday, so most Maldivians work on Sundays.

In the Maldives, citizenship is restricted to Muslims.

Due to the size and manageability of each island, the Maldives is one of the safest tourist destinations.

The Maldives are sinking swiftly into the ocean due to rising sea levels and intensifying land erosion.

MALDIVES: QAUMEE DHUVAS DATES