Haa Alif Atoll – Utheemu, home of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu
Haa Alif, officially North Thiladhunmathi Atoll, is the northernmost administrative division of the Maldives. It is renowned as the home of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, born on the island of Utheemu, who in 1573 led the struggle that ended Portuguese rule over the Maldives – an event still celebrated as National Day. His family's wooden palace on Utheemu is preserved as a place of remembrance.
The division includes Ihavandhippolhu, the northernmost geographical atoll of the archipelago, and the northern part of Thiladhunmathi. Today it is the third-largest division in population and land area. Do you have stories or photos from Haa Alif? Share them with our community!