Culture & Heritage

For centuries, ships sailed across the Indian Ocean carrying spices, pearls, precious stones, and merchants from distant lands. Among those who crossed these waters were Muslim traders who found more than a trading port in Sri Lanka. They found a home. Their descendants became one of the island’s distinctive communities, known today as the Sri Lankan Moors. Although they make …

I started my medical career in 1991 as an intern house officer to Professor A.H. Sheriffdeen, whom we affectionately called AHS. One Tuesday morning in the surgical clinic, medical students presented the history of a homeless man with an infected wound on his foot. They explained that he had first gone to a nearby, newly built hospital but had been …

Aboobucker Mohamed Abdul Azeez (A M A Azeez), an eminent educationist, erudite learned scholar in English and Tamil, brilliant orator, efficient administrator, writer, visionary and dedicated community worker, was born on October 4, 1911 to a traditional elite family of Vannarpannai in Jaffna. His father S.M. Aboobucker J.P. was a leading lawyer, Quazi, Vice-Chairman of the Jaffna Urban Council and …

The history of the majestic mansion ‘Mumtaz Mahal’ situated at 544, Galle Road, Kollupitiya, built by a member of a leading Muslim family is a fascinating story. Mohamed Cassim Bhoy, who came to Ceylon from Surat, India in 1820, married and settled down in Matara. His wife was from a well-known family who were migrants from Yemen in the Arab …

Abstract The article seeks to convey the legacy of a renowned pioneering reformist, Dr. Baduideen Mahmud and his contribution to the transformation of socio-political and educational frameworks which inspired generations with his unwavering dedication. Especially, to those within the marginalized communities in the Muslim demographic by demonstrating his profound commitment to equality, justice, academics and politics. Dr. Baduideen Mahmud was …

The historic train track serves as a symbol of renewal, promising to reconnect the neighbours through trade, travel, and shared prosperity. The historic Hejaz Railway is all set to chug back to life, marking the revival of an Ottoman-era Hejaz Railway link that once took traders and pilgrims from Istanbul to the Muslim holy cities of Medina and Mecca and …