Kalhuohfunmi, the replica of the sailing boat used by Mohamed Thakurufaanu in his endeavour to free Maldives from Portuguese occupation has been brought to the capital Male’.
Many had visited the official jetty to witness the docking of the vessel, modeled after the records of the original Kalhu oh’fummi.
Even though some of the public said that the vessel may not be historically accurate, the replica was a vital aspect to preserving the history of the nation.
Home Ministry reported that wood from a special palm tree that had grown on the east and west side of the island. Deputy Home Minister Ahmed Saleem said that historical records show that in the time of Mohamed Thakurufaanu wood from the two areas were used in boat building.
Saleem said that the vessel measured 51 feet 6 inches, made from wood from 16 madoo trees.
The vessel was constructed by Maritime Underwater Heritage Society, with no costs. The Society had not used any modern tools in construction, using only traditional methods.
Speaking in the vessel docking ceremony, Home Minister Umar Naseer thanked designer Wajeeh for constructing the vessel in the absence of accurate historical depictions. He added that historical records show the vessel was created for speed and attacking rather than transporting goods.
“The vessel was constructed so that the current generations can get an idea of what was sacrificed to remain as an independent nation, the importance of independence and what should be done to remain as an independent nation,” he said.
Minister Umar said that Mohamed Thakurufaanu had his allies spent four years on Kalhu oh’fummi on their guerilla war against the Portuguese.
“Their vessel was embarked near where STELCO is now. They started their war from that area. With their actions guaranteed independence, secured Islam,” he said.
Minister Umar said that projects like this were undertaken so that the current and future generations can learn from the past and become patriots in the process.
The vessel was docked in Male’, with a special performance by the army corps. A special farivalhu was presented to the vessel upon docking.
Huge support for Kalhu oh’fummi
