History of Male Maldives.

During a visit to the Maldives you should visit the capital of this island nation. Male is the smallest capital in the world. Its length is 2.5 kilometers by 1 kilometer. In addition, it is not only the chief but also the only city in the Maldivian nation. Male is a distinctive city for the eastern countries, with their low light-colored buildings, narrow serpentine streets, and almost golden dome visible from everywhere Islamic Center. Near the mosque is the Islamic Center in the name of Good Friday. In this mosque are the graves of national heroes of the country, as well as belonging to the ruling family of people. Capital of the Maldives has its own museum, which presents sculptures made of stone, coral pieces, brought from Buddhist temples and thrones, which once sat the rulers of the Maldives.

Presented in the museum exhibits tell about the history of the islands, which were discovered by navigators even for two thousand years before Christ. Ancient mariners used the Maldives as a transit point, where it was possible to replenish food stocks and get a little rest. Even today on some of the southern atolls of the archipelago can be found the remains of Buddhist temples. Starting from the tenth century AD, the Maldives started visiting merchants from the Arab countries. In those days, Maldives played the role of a prototype of today's money printing machine - on the island in large numbers were cowrie shells, which merchants of that time used as currency. Arab merchants had considerable cultural influence by bringing Islam to the archipelago. And in 1153, Islam became the state religion in the Maldives.

According to legend, once, long ago, every year for sea genie Rannamaari, people on the Male chose a beautiful girl. She was left overnight in a temple, but the next morning was always found dead. But one day, Abu al-Barakat, an Arab by descent, had pity the next girl, and decided to take her place in the temple. Throughout the night Barakat read the Koran, and when the Male residents of the following morning entered the house, they found Barakat alive and healthy. According to legend, the mighty power of the Muslim holy book had so impressed the local ruler, that he ordered to all the inhabitants of the islands in the Islamic religion, and declared himself sultan.

What to see in Male capital of Maldives

Small, densely populated island of is located approximately in the center of the archipelago of Maldives and it is a capital of Maldives. The island of Male is only 2 kilometers in length and 1 kilometer in width; entirely covered with houses, roads, and therefore there is very little open space. Male is a clean and tidy city with mosques, markets, and a labyrinth of small streets, wrapped in blanket of charm. Male can give you the impression of quiet provincial city. Officially, the population of the capital city is about 65,000 people, but foreign workers, tourists and residents of other islands, often coming here in the city increase this number to 100000. The size of the island has been doubled through the introduction of projects to restore the land and the nearby islands are used for different purposes. The Government plans to develop other islands in order to reduce pressure on the island of Male. In the past, the island of Male was known as Island of the Sultan.

Among the unique monuments of Male is the statue of the Buddha's head from the island Todd, referring to the pre-Islamic, and a wooden panel XIII century, covered with ancient characters. Fruit, vegetable and wood markets never empty and paintings represent places where islanders from other atolls trade their goods. Fish Market, located nearby, initially empty, while catching fish, and after lunch, the fishermen here are beginning to flock to its prey. Fishers, cutting and cleaning fish, turned it into art. It is clean and well-mastered area that attracts many tourists, and provides insight into the life of typical Maldivian fishermen. Other attractions are the Singapore market - cluster of shops - selling quality products of local crafts and the Maldives and imported trinkets and souvenirs. In addition, there are shops selling electronics, marine equipment, fishing equipment and household goods to local villages. There are no tall buildings, and most people use bikes to travel in Male. The island has many hotels. Each hotel has its own pleasure boat, where you can go to cruise to the archipelago for several days.