Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Kong Xianhua has emphasized the importance of understanding and preserving a country’s history, saying a shared knowledge of the past helps strengthen national unity and identity.
The ambassador made the remarks in a post on the social media platform X following his visit to Utheemu in Haa Alif Atoll, where the Maldives’ official National Day celebrations were held on Saturday.
Reflecting on his visit, Ambassador Xianhua said a shared understanding of history helps bind a nation together. Quoting Marcus Garvey, he noted that people who lack knowledge of their history, origins and culture are like a tree without roots.
He added that history education helps pass collective memories from one generation to another, builds national identity and develops a shared understanding among generations.
Describing his visit to Utheemu as a rewarding experience, Ambassador Xianhua also extended his National Day greetings to the people of the Maldives.
Utheemu has significant historical importance as the home island of National Hero Bodu Thakurufaanu, who led the struggle that liberated the Maldives from Portuguese rule in the 16th century. The island is home to numerous historical sites and artefacts connected to the national hero and the country’s past.
During President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to Utheemu for the National Day celebrations, new heritage attractions were also inaugurated. These include a monumental gateway featuring ancient scriptures and “Vaahaka Vau,” meaning “Forest of Stories.”
Located in the natural forest adjoining the historic Kandhuvalu Mosque, Vaahaka Vau provides visitors with an immersive historical trail tracing the struggle of Bodu Thakurufaanu and his efforts to free the Maldives from Portuguese rule.
The trail features 14 information boards placed along winding pathways through the forest. The boards chronicle key events in the country’s history, beginning with the Portuguese seizure of Malé in 1558, continuing through the construction of the legendary sailing vessel Kalhuoffummi in Baarah, and culminating in the decisive victory in 1573.
By incorporating the information panels into the forest setting, the project brings together historical education, art and Utheemu’s natural environment to create a distinctive visitor experience.
The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage said Vaahaka Vau provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about Maldivian history while experiencing the natural surroundings and tranquillity of Utheemu’s forest.
The initiative is also in line with President Muizzu’s vision of promoting nationalism, preserving the legacy of Ghaazee Bandaarain and generating sustainable economic opportunities through the country’s cultural heritage.
The heritage installation forms part of a wider initiative aimed at preserving the legacy of Ghaazee Bandaarain while generating revenue from heritage sites. The broader project seeks to establish Utheemu as an important destination for cultural tourism.
The Ministry expects the trail to attract both domestic and international visitors, encourage longer stays on the island and create increased demand for local guesthouses, cafés, transport services and artisan crafts.
By combining historical storytelling with Utheemu’s natural beauty, Vaahaka Vau aims to preserve the island’s heritage, encourage younger generations to learn about the country’s history and create new economic opportunities for the local community.
The development also reinforces the message highlighted by Ambassador Xianhua: that preserving and understanding history can strengthen national identity, pass collective memory to future generations and help bring a nation together.
