Hoarafushi (Haa Alif Atoll)

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Hoarafushi
Island Summary
Belongs to Haa Alif Atoll
Location 72°53′46″E, 06°59′00″NCoordinates: 72°53′46″E, 06°59′00″N
Area
Population 2782
Length 1750m
Width 450m
Distance from Malé 316.95km
Administrative Information
Island Chief


Hoarafushi (Dhivehi: ހޯރަފުށި) is one of the inhabited islands of Haa Alif Atoll in the Maldives. It is named after the Great Frigatebird, known as the hoara bird in the Maldives, which used to be seen there.

It is one of the northernmost islands of the Maldives. The people who live in Hoarafushi claim to have originated from Gudhanfushi, a vanished island adjacent to Huvahandhoo. The population moved to Huvuhandhoo as Gudhanfushi eroded away. They later moved again to Hoarafushi.

The new settlers called the island both Huvarafushi and Hoarafushi. Hathifushi Kaannaa Kaleygefaan was buried at the Kuda mosque of this island. He died on the 25 Safar 1338 (November 1919). In 1206 A.H., during the reign of King Hassan Nuraddheen, the royal Bodu Ban'deyri was Hathifushi Mohamed Handheygiri. It is also said to be that the Huyy Ali Didi the (first poet of the Maldives)was buried at same cemetery.

So far five non-governmental organization have formed on Hoarafushi: Hoarafushi Sports Club, Hoarafushi Zuvaanunge Jamiyya, Past Student Association of Haa Alif Atoll School, Hoarafushi Advancement Society and Friends and Native Society.

Horafushi has produced a number of famed Maldivian citizens, ranging from physics to music to poetry. Some of them are Abdulla Hamza (the person who invented the hand operating fan), Adam Saleem (a famous poet) and Ibrahim Nasir (a politician).

Thanks to Hamza's famed fan invention, "Fan" has become an alternative name for Hoarafushi.



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