Tue, 22 Apr 2025
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Izzuddin Jetty: A cultural landmark celebrating Maldivian heritage
27 Feb 2025
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Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Abdulla Muththalib speaking at the Izzuddin Jetty reopening ceremony --- Photo: President's Office
When listing the important structures of Malé, the Official Jetty, Presidential Jetty, or by its current name, Izzuddin Jetty, would always feature at the top of the list.
This prominence stems not merely from its official status, nor solely from the grandeur associated with the structure, but also from the simple, beautiful Maldivian design that has characterised the jetty since ancient times.
Following its closure for renovations, Izzuddin Jetty has now reopened, showcasing Maldivian identity. It embodies heritage and history – a harmonious blend of modern artistry and cultural craftsmanship.
The designers placed special emphasis on displaying Maldivian culture and national uniqueness in creating the jetty. They drew inspiration from the official jetty used during the presidency of the first President of the Republic of Maldives, Mohamed Amin Didi, and the official jetty used during the presidency of the second President of the second Republic, Uz Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (G.O.D.R.G).
The bases of the jetty pillars are crafted in white, resembling coral stone carvings. The pillars, steps, and railings of the jetty showcase traditional Maldivian woodwork. The patterns on the eaves of the roof evoke a pleasing scene reminiscent of the intricate weaving patterns of traditional Maldivian mats.
Even before its closure for repairs, Izzuddin Jetty already featured a design that showcased Maldivian identity. During renovations for the Golden Jubilee of Independence, the structure was reimagined to resemble a sailing ship's mast when viewed from a distance. At that time, the most significant change was its renaming to Izzuddin Jetty, in tribute to Sultan Hassan Izzuddin, also known as Dhon Bandaarain.
Today, as this jetty begins its new chapter, its design elements from President Mohamed Amin's era and President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's era have inspired similar structures in some other islands of the Maldives, testament to the enduring appeal of this 70-year-old historical landmark.
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