The government has resumed the traditional practice of hoisting the flag at the historic site. Th e flag was raised at Medhu Ziyaaraiy yesterday after a 30-35-year break with t he flagpoles at the monument featuring white flags that were once used in the Maldives.
The flag was hoisted at the tomb, according to a Ministry of Culture and History official, as part of the ministry’s efforts to restore ancient landmarks in the city and preserve Dhivehi culture and history.
“Rather than leaving the historical monuments to deteriorate, this was done as part of the attempt to preserve the beauty of such sites,” the official explained.
“We believe it is essential that these locations remain visible to future generations.”
He stated that the ministry had been working on the tomb’s refurbishment since last month. The ministry staff also painted the monument to commemorate Maldives’ Islamization last month. The original lanterns within the shrine have also been rebuilt and are currently lit, according to reports.
In addition to the Medhu Ziyaaraiy, the flag would be raised at the Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam, he said. They intend to restore ancient sites in the city as well as on other islands across the country.
Abul Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari, who brought Islam to the Maldives in 1153 AD, is buried there. In addition to Barbari, Sayyid, an Arab who governed the Maldives in 1692, is buried in the mausoleum.
The shrine was once a place where people took vows. However, the government banned public from taking vows there in 1957. The exact date of the mausoleum’s construction is uncertain, although historical documents indicate that it was established in its current form during Shamsuddin’s reign.
Though flag rasing holds no significance in terms of religion some religious scholars have called the flag-raising ceremony heretical.
It is important to note that the flag has been raised in this manner since ancient times.
