Authorities launch joint investigation with the police into an act of vandalism at Usgekolhu, a historic landmark dating back over a century
Authorities are collaborating with the police to investigate the vandalism of "Usgekolhu," a historical landmark over a century old, and to take legal action against those responsible under the Heritage Act. Efforts have commenced to transfer the oversight of the building to the Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage to ensure its long-term preservation. Such acts of vandalism pose a significant threat to the nation's historical sites, risking the loss of cultural value and causing irreparable damage to Maldivian heritage.
Built during the early 20th century under the reign of Sultan Haji Imaduddin VI, the "Usgekolhu" stands as a historic landmark. | Raajje MV
The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage, in collaboration with the police, has launched an investigation into an act of vandalism at "Usgekolhu," the only remaining structure of the historic Maldivian Royal Palace. The heritage site was defaced with graffiti, causing significant damage to its walls.
In a statement released Thursday, the Ministry announced that it has been alerted to acts of vandalism targeting a historic site over a century old. The Ministry noted that individuals had defaced the walls of the monument with graffiti and attempted to cause further structural damage. The Ministry further stated that it is working closely with the police to identify those responsible. It emphasized that legal action will be taken against the perpetrators under the Maldives Cultural Heritage Act (Law No. 12/2019).
The Ministry of Cultural Heritage has announced that it has formally requested the Male' City Council to hand over the keys and administrative oversight of Usgekolhu. This request was made to facilitate a planned development project for the historic site and its surrounding area. However, the Ministry noted in its statement that the City Council has yet to transfer the property to its jurisdiction.
Usgekolhu is a landmark of significant historical importance, constructed during the early 20th-century reign of Sultan Haji Imaduddin VI (1893–1903). It is the very building where the Maldives' first National Museum was inaugurated 74 years ago. As a prime example of traditional Maldivian architectural design, there are growing concerns that the ongoing damage to the structure will diminish its cultural value and lead to irreversible loss.
Consequently, the Ministry stated that efforts have been initiated to bring Usgekolhu under its direct jurisdiction to ensure the site is preserved and managed within a formal legal framework.
