Thabureyzgefaanuge Magaam in Baa Atoll Kendhoo – an abandoned landmark of historical importance?
Kendhoo is famous for its historical and cultural significance. It is traditionally said that the island was visited by the Arabian scholar, Abdul Barakaath Yoosuf-al Barbari, also known as Thabreyzgefaanu who is fondly believed to have been responsible for introducing Islam to the Maldives in 1153.
During his brief visit to Kendhoo, he asked a coconut bearer to bring a young coconut for him to drink.
After tasting it, the first thing he said to the coconut bearer was “this is so sweet and hereafter I name this island Fani Kendhoo.''According to local elders of the island, this is how the island got the name of Fani Kendhoo.
While Thabreyzgefaanu on the , Islamic rituals and daily prayers there. The place where he stood to offer the prayers was marked by the building of the historical house that has since then been named after him.
This place is over 800 years old to date. In the past it was a place of great respect thus well maintained. Therefor a system was developed by the island chief to use the income generated from the island’s land claimed by the government (goifailabba) for maintenance and care of the “magaamfulhu.”
The Building was last renovated as seen today roughly 100 years ago by Al Sultan Mohamed Shamshudheen III.
The lead architect was Kuda Rikilu Naib Kaleeygefaanu, Mohamed Manik.
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