The late Mr. Mohamed Haleem, the grandson of Assayyid Bodufenvalhuge Seedhee, President of the Maritime and Underwater Heritage Society of Maldives, shares his insights at an event in Ha. Utheemu. Badialibeyge Mohamed Haleem G. Dhunfini (Dhunfinige), stands as a significant figure in modern Maldivian cultural preservation. A dedicated researcher, historian, and maritime heritage enthusiast, he devoted much of his life to safeguarding traditional Dhivehi seafaring knowledge. His most...

Traditional fishing dhonis are seen alongside a large fish collecting vessel as they engage in pole-and-line tuna fishing in the Maldives. In the turbulent economic waters of the 1970s, Maldivian fishermen found an unexpected lifeline floating offshore. Once reliant on sail-powered dhonis and the drying of tuna for export to Sri Lanka, local fishermen began sailing their traditional boats out to Japanese “mother vessels” to sell their fresh daily catch directly on deck for cash. This...

Historic photograph of the Fathul Bari ship, framed and displayed in the Kerafaa Muhammad Kaleyfaanu family home, showcasing maritime heritage connected to Hassan Mohamed Kalegefaan & Sons. The 19th and early 20th centuries marked a vibrant final flourishing of traditional Maldivian maritime trade. Before steamships and centralized shipping fully dominated the Indian Ocean, independent Maldivian merchants operated elegant wooden sailing vessels , dhonis and schooners , across monsoon-driven...