Fuvammulah (Gnaviyani Atoll)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
|
Fuvammulah |
|
|---|---|
| Island Summary | |
| Belongs to | Gnaviyani Atoll |
| Location | 0° 16' 45" S, 73° 24' 30' E |
| Area | {{{Area}}} |
| Population | 7642 |
| Length | 4500 m |
| Width | 1200 m |
| Distance from Malé | 494 km |
| Administrative Information | |
| Island Chief | Ahmed Moosa |
| Island office phone | +960 6860041 |
| Island office fax | +960 6860001 |
Fuvammulah (Dhivehi: ފުވައްމުލައް) is the largest island in Maldives belonging to the smallest atoll of Maldives, Naviyani Atoll. It is also the only island of this Atoll. The dialect of Dhivehi language spoken in Fuvammulah is known as Mulaku which closely resembles the dialect of Dhivehi spoken in Addu.
Contents |
[edit] Geography
The island is about 4.5 km by 1.2 km. The island is divided into eight districts namely Dhadimagu, Dhiguvaandu, Hoadhadu, Maadhadu, Miskimmagu, Maalegan, Funaad and Dhoondigan. Each district has a chief who is accountable to the island chief. The island is charactrized by two fresh water lakes on the North and South of the island. The lake on the North side fall within the district of Dhadimagu and is named as "Dhadimagi-Kilhi". The lake on the South falls within the districts of Miskimmagu, Maalegan and Funaad and is named as "Bandaara-Kilhi". Apart from these two lakes, Fuvammulah is also charactrized by the a beautiful sandy beach on the North, called "Thoondu" (In Dhivehi formal dialect "thundi"). The sands may streach to several meters sometimes to the length of a football field. The white sand on Thundi is well known in the Maldives for its shine and roundness.
[edit] Economy
Like many islands in the Maldives, Fuvammulah depends upon Fishing, Agriculture and Business. 62 Dhonis are engaged in fishing. Fuvahmmulah is the secound largest producer of Watermelon in Maldives, just after Thoddoo. The island produce enough to serve its people, supply to Addu and supply to the capital Male'. However watermelons are commonly produced during the holy month of Ramadan. Apart from watermelons the island is also a major supplier of Mango, Banana and Cucumber.
The harbor of Fuvammulah was very well know in Maldives during its construction and development. Because of the geographical nature of the island, several years of research had to be done and the construction and development of the harbor itself took over two years. Hojgaard & Schultz of Denmark undertook the project. The harbor has boosted economic growth and attracted investors who were reluctant to invest in Fuvammulah. This harbor has also been a usual anchor spot for MIFCO fish carrier vessels.
Another project known as Fuvammulah Tourist Hotel, is underway. This project aims to create tourist hotel, promoting tourism in Fuvammulah, boosting the economy.
[edit] Demography/Education
According to the preliminary results of the census 2006 Fuvahmulah had a total population of 7642, population increasing at 0.25% per year. The population consists of 3546 males and 4078 females, giving a sex ratio of 100 females per 87 males. Fuvahmulah is served by 4 pre-schools, 3 primary schools and 1 secondary school (which also serves as a higher-secondary school.)
[edit] Landmarks
Fuvammulah has a rich history which has given way to many historical places, today regarded as landmarks. This include Vashu-Veyo, a man made circular swimming pool, used for public bathing. The strong strong influence and belief of Islam can also be found in Gemmiskkii, a historical mosque. This small mosque found in the north of the island is the oldest mosque in Fuvammulah.
There is Hawitta( an ancient mound) in Fuvammulah, although its actual form has been lost because of diggings to either find valuable artifacts or for research purpose. The Hawitta is about 40 feet in height and closely resembels the look of a mountain. A small mound, about 15 feet in height can also be found near Hawitta.
It is also common for a Bissaaveli to form in the Thundi. A Bissaaveli is a natural phenomenon, formed when the sand in the middle of the beach moves, thus creating a lagoon, enclosed by sand and the shore of the island. This netural event attratcted hundreds - possibly thousends - of locals, since Fuvammulah does not has a natural lagoon. Also since the Bissaveli is enclosed from all sides, it creates a natural swimming pool, allowing people of all ages to enjoy it. However, since the construction of the Fuvammulah harbor began in 2000, this phenomenon has not occurred. It is believed that the construction of harbor somehow affected the current which causes this natural phenomenon.
Another natural phenomenon called Kalho-Akiri (meaning "Black Pebbles") occurred in the south-east shore of the island. This area only had black pebbles. However the construction of harbor has adversely affected this phenomenon as well.
The Dhiraagu communications antenna, located in the premises of Dhiraagu Fuvammulah Operations Centre, is the tallest structure in the Maldives. The antenna stands 400 feet (121 meters) tall. It connects Gaafu Alif Atoll, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and Fuvammulah to the rest of the nation.
Thor Heyerdahl found pre-islamic artifacts in Fuvammulah and wrote a book named after the island.
[edit] Notables
Many figures from Fuvammulah have had been leaders in politics, religion and in business since early times. One of the most notable figures is the all-time famous Dhivehi poet Mohammad Jamaaluddeen, also know as Naibu-Thutthu. He wrote several raivaru( a form of poetry in Maldives) books. These raivaru's are still taught and examined in schools, as part of Dhivehi language module. Not only was he good at literature, but also was appointed as chief justice. The current chief justice Ustaz Mohamed Rasheed Ibrahim is also from Fuvammulah. He is also the president of Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. Dr.Mohamed Zahir Hussain, President of College Council (a ministerial level post)and founder of the most popular daily newspaper Haveeru is also a native Fuvammulah citizen. Among other notables from the island includes the current Minister of Justice Mr. Mohammed Jameel and current Minister of Housing and Urban Development Mr. Ibrahim Rafeeq. The latter is one of the entrepreneurs of the Rainbow group.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Official website
- Fuvahmulah Photo Collection
- Articles about Fuvahmulah - Haveeru Online
- (Dhivehi) Articles about Fuvahmulah - Haveeru Online
- Photos and Videos of Fuvammulah
