Hoadhadu

Hoadhadu is an administrative division of Fuvahmulah, Maldives. The district shares borders with Dhadimago, Diguvāndo and Mādhado. Hōdhado has been the smallest district in Fuvahmulah throughout history. During the late 20th century, the increase in population of the district led to pressure on land in the neighbouring areas. This led to a northern extension of the village, resulting in land from Dhadimago and Diguvando wards being claimed to the village. Though this has resulted in a change of the believed-to-be areas in a disputed state, no formal changes have been made and the actual area of the ward is still to be decided.

History

Hōdhado is the first district in Fuvahmulah to have accepted Islam. The smaller size of the village with fewer people during the time of conversion may be the main reason for the village being the first district to be converted. What is clear from historical sources is that smaller districts of Fuvahmulah converted first and the larger districts last. After Hoadhado it was Maadhado, Maalegan, Miskimmago and Dhashokubaa (the remaining smallest villages back then) which were converted. The larger ones, Dhadimago, Dhoodigan, Funaado and Dhiguvaando are the last villages to have converted.

Economy

Historically, many residents of Hōdhado depended on fishing as the primary source of income, although today retail business along with white collar jobs have diminished the dependency on fishing. One of the traditional harbours of Fuvammulah "Anbule Athiri" is located within Hōdhado which explains the district's dependency on fishing.

Places of interest

• Former Naaibu Aboobakuru School: Was one of the four primary schools in Fuvahmulah till 2012 when it was merged with the other primary schools in the island. On the site of the school, there are government plans to open a junior college or a polytechnics institution.

• Anbule Athiri: One of the traditional harbours of Fuvahmulah.

• Hanihari Miskiy: One of the oldest mosques in Fuvahmulah built during the earliest days of Islam in Fuvahmulah.

• Hoadhadu Miskiy: One of the oldest mosques in Fuvahmulah built during the earliest days of Islam in Fuvahmulah.

Claimed places:

• The Havitta: An ancient ruin of possibly a Buddhist stupa. Due to the northerly extension of the village towards the end of the 20th Century and settlement of the villagers in the area by time, today the Havitta is believed to be a part of this village though the Havitta is within the historical boundaries of the district of Dhadimago.