Muhammad Fareed Didi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Muhammad Fareed Didi |
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| Sultan of the Maldives | |||||
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| Reign | March 7, 1954 – November 11, 1968 | ||||
| Predecessor | President of the Maldives (Mohamed Amin Didi) |
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| Successor | President of the Maldives (Ibrahim Nasir) |
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| Born | January 11, 1901 Malé, Maldives |
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| Died | March 27, 1969 (aged 68) Malé, Maldives |
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| Burial | Galolhu Cemetery | ||||
| Spouse | Mugurigey Waheeda | ||||
| Issue | Heir prince Aboobakuru, Guldhasthaage and 4 other children (all died) | ||||
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| House | Huraage | ||||
| Dynasty | House of Huraa | ||||
| Father | Sultan Abdul Majeed Didi | ||||
| Mother | Princess Veyogey Dhon Goma | ||||
| Religion | Islam | ||||
King Muhammad Fareed Didi (Dhivehi: އަލްއަމީރު މުޙަންމަދު ފަރީދު ދީދީ) was a very important leader in the Maldives. He was the last Sultan (or king) of the Maldives. He was also the first Maldivian ruler to use the title "King." He ruled from March 7, 1954, until November 11, 1968. In 1968, the Maldives became a republic, which means it was no longer ruled by a king. He passed away the next year.
Early Life and Education
Muhammad Fareed Didi was born on January 11, 1901. His father was Sultan Abdul Majeed Didi. Young Muhammad Fareed Didi went to school in Sri Lanka, which was called Ceylon back then. He studied at Royal College Colombo for seven years.
After finishing his studies, he returned home. On December 16, 1932, he became the Prime Minister. This was under Sultan Hassan Nooraddeen II. He also served as the speaker of the People's Majlis (which is like the parliament) from 1933 to 1942.
Becoming Sultan
After a period when the Maldives was a republic, the people decided to bring back the Sultanate. A special vote was held in 1954. Prince Mohammed Fareed Didi was chosen to be the 84th Sultan. His first Prime Minister was Ehgamugey Ibraahim Ali Didi.
Later, on December 11, 1957, the Prime Minister had to step down. The very next day, Velaanagey Ibrahim Nasir became the new Prime Minister.
End of the Monarchy
On November 15, 1967, the parliament had an important vote. They had to decide if the Maldives should stay a constitutional monarchy (a country with a king but also a government) or become a republic. Out of 44 members, 40 voted for the Maldives to become a republic.
Then, on March 15, 1968, the people of the Maldives voted. A large number, over 81%, wanted the country to become a republic. So, on November 11, 1968, the Maldives officially became a republic. This ended the rule of kings and sultans that had lasted for 853 years.
Later Life and Passing
After he was no longer king, Muhammad Fareed Didi moved out of the royal palace. He went to live in his own home in Malé. He passed away on May 27, 1969. He was given a state funeral and was buried in the Galolhu Cemetery.
