Thinadhoo City is the capital of Gaafu Dhaalu region in the atoll of Huvadhu of the Maldives. It has its own dialect of Dhivehi which is considerably different from northern speech. <!-- It is pronounced as Thenadu in the Southern Maldives dialect. -->

The name Thinadhoo is derived from Euphorbia hirta, locally known as Thina Vina (Thina Weed), a pantropical weed used for herbal medicines which grew in the island.

Thinadhoo was the wealthiest island in the country before it was forcefully depopulated and demolished entirely in 1962. The rich merchants of the island were known to have assisted even the capital when in need.

City status

On August 30, 2023, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih formally announced Thinadhoo Island in Gaafu Dhaal Atoll as a city, utilizing the authority granted to him by Section 51 (a) of the Maldives' Decentralisation Act (Law number 7/2010).

The decision was made because of the island's significant population and its crucial role in delivering a diverse range of services to the inhabitants of the atolls.

A case was originally filed in the High Court to revoke Thinadhoo's city status after it was revealed that the Thinadhoo City Council submitted a fraudulent list in order to gain city status. The High Court later dismissed it, citing no jurisdiction, which led to the dispute being redirected to the Civil Court.

History

Early history

Written history of the island is sparse.

Havaru Thinadhoo

alt=Extinct odi (ship) of Huvadu design type from the Southern Atolls.|thumb|350x350px|Long distance 100 to 200 dead-weight tonnage odi (ship) of Huvadu design type from the Southern Atolls. The Odis were built in the Southern Atolls and operational until 1960s. Havaru Thinadhoo had 40 odis before they were discontinued and they were famous throughout the Indian Ocean. Fully decked with deck-houses and large overhanging forecastle. Three-mast arrangement at the rig. A large main square-sail set atop a tall mainmast. Fore-and-aft [[gaff rig|gaff-sail set from the mizzen. Raking foremast carrying a square foresail well out over the bows.

In addition to Thinadhoo there were 3 other islands undertaken by the Havaru. They were Kaadedhoo, Kannigili Kolhu and Kubbudu in Huvadhoo Atoll.

During the time of Havaru, the island of Thinadhoo used Kaadedhoo for farming.

  • Dhoshimeynaa Varu
  • Velaanaa Varu
  • Hakuraa Varu

Fas Thin Varu (Rear rank with three divisions)

Geography

The island is south of the country's capital, Malé.

Climate

Thinadhoo has a tropical rainforest climate (Köppen: Af).

Demography

Education

Thinadhoo has 4 pre-schools, 2 primary schools, 1 secondary/high-school and 3 college or university campuses including Maldives National University Thinadhoo Campus and Avid College

Transport

Kaadedhdhoo Domestic Airport is situated on a nearby island connected by speed boat which can be reached to Thinadhoo in 5-10 minutes.

See also

  • United Suvadive Republic
  • Upper South Province
  • Huvadhu Atoll

References

  • YouTube Video: G Dh. Thinadhoo visit by Ibrahim Nasir which led to Genocide 1962
  • Thinadhoo designated as a city