Ancient tombstones in Fuvahmulah graveyard vandalized

Fuvahmulah City Council reports ancient tombstones at the graveyard located in the city’s Friday have been vandalized.

Deputy Mayor Mohamed Fikry told Sun the vandalism had taken place sometime Sunday night.

He said that some of the tombstones had been completely smashed, and pieces thrown to the beach.

“We don’t know when exactly this took place. It was identified when people went to the mosque to perform the Fajr prayer. They caused extensive damage. Many of the tombstones were smashed and thrown to the beach,” he said.

Fikry said that the identity of the vandals remained unclear, and that the council had reported the incident to the police.

The case is under investigation by the police.

The Friday Mosque was built by Al-Sultan Mohamed Ibn Haji Ali Thukkalaa, known as the 'Dhevvadhoo Rasgefaanu', in 1701. The mosque underwent major renovations in 1930.

Fuvahmulah City Council’s Assistant Executive Mohamed Ali Didi – who heads the section that manages mosques – said the destruction to the ancient tombstones was devastating.

“They have nearly completely destroyed the tombstones. Its very sad. The tombstones showed the history of this place. The mosque, as well as the tombstones is part of the history of the Maldivian people,” he said.

Historical figures buried at the graveyard include Prince Ibrahim Faamudheyri Kilegefaanu, son of Sultan Muhammad Ghiyaasuddin of Dhiyamigili Dynasty, and Prince Hassan Izzuddin and his family, as well as Saamiya Faashana Kilege (Maafilaafushi Rasgefaanu) and Utheemu Bodurasgefaanu’s families.

They all, except for Prince Ibrahim Faamudheyri Kilegefaanu, had been banished to Fuvahmulah.