The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage has announced an extensive, year-long series of events to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the Maldives embracing Islam.
Designed to engage communities across the nation, the landmark initiative aims to sustainably preserve the country’s Islamic heritage, foster academic research, and reinforce religious unity among future generations.
Speaking on PSM News’ ‘Raajje Miadhu’ programme, Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Aminath Ibrahim revealed that around 15 major programmes have been planned in close collaboration with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments. She noted that the activities are tailored for inclusivity, spanning both the Greater Male’ Region and the atolls.
"Around 15 activities have been planned, spread across the whole year. These are programmes designed in a way that people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life can participate,” she explained.
A major centerpiece of the 900-year commemorations will be the construction of a permanent 900-Year Monument in the Male’ area, serving as an enduring landmark of this historical milestone. The year-long calendar will also feature an International Islamic Trade Fair, a National Quran Recitation Festival, a national Islamic academic quiz competition, and a sports event titled the Islamic Solidarity Games.
To engage youth and highlight cultural expressions, the Ministry has scheduled an Islamic Calligraphy Festival, an Islamic Film Festival, and a Youth Islamic Heritage Camp focused on imparting religious upbringing and traditional Islamic values.
Efforts to safeguard the nation’s historical legacy will include the creation of a dedicated Museum Gallery of Maldivian Islamic History to showcase ancient manuscripts, atoll-level religious symposiums, and a design competition centred on integrating traditional Dhivehi Islamic architecture into modern construction. Additionally, the Ministry plans to publish Dhivehi Islamic Structures, a comprehensive photo book highlighting the unique craftsmanship of the nation's historic coral stone mosques.
The Ministry has expressed confidence that the planned festivities will resonate deeply with citizens across the archipelago while drawing significant international attention to the Maldives’ rich Islamic heritage throughout the commemorative year.