| Although the Maldives is seen by many as a giant | | | | of Maldives still celebrate this victorious |
| tourist resort than a functioning country, its past | | | | achievement on their National Day. |
| cannot be ignored. As visitors to these gorgeous | | | | |
| islands are captivated by the golden stretches of | | | | The Esjehi Gallery is located in Sultan Park in the |
| beach and the clear turquoise waters its easy to | | | | capital city of Male'. This gallery is one of the few |
| drift away and feel as if you're in heaven. The | | | | places where you will have the opportunity to see |
| people of Maldives are not blessed with a host of | | | | a collection of local arts and craft which belong to |
| natural resources but what they have inherited is | | | | both the modern era and ancient times. This |
| a wondrous part of the world in which they lay | | | | venue also plays host to many art exhibitions and |
| claim to some of the most enchanting islands in | | | | is regarded as one of the oldest buildings in the |
| the world. Because of its location these little | | | | country. The building itself is a marvel of |
| islands have been tormented by invading | | | | craftsmanship as it has elegant carvings on many |
| Portuguese armies in the past who wanted to | | | | of its wooden panels. Workshops are also |
| gain control over the commercial affairs in the | | | | conducted at the Esjehi Gallery which is organized |
| region. Although the locals were successful in | | | | to encourage young locals to get involved in art. |
| fending them off on a few occasions, an army led | | | | |
| by Captain Andreas Andre assassinated Sultan Ali | | | | John Keells Hotels Group offers its guests several |
| VI. After being under Portuguese rule for fifteen | | | | Maldives hotelswhich are both elegantly appointed |
| years, the pressure to convert themselves into | | | | and provide easy access to perfect beaches. |
| Christians drove the locals to form an uprising | | | | Booking a stay at one of these outstanding rests |
| which led to a series of successful guerilla attacks | | | | is sure to make your Maldives travelexperience |
| where all the invaders met their end. The citizens | | | | one to remember. |