Article: Ketchimalai Mosque- Beruwala, Sri Lanka.jpg
Kechchimalai Mosque, Beruwala (one of the oldest mosques in Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka
Location in Sri Lanka
Province Western Province District Divisional Secretariat
Beruwala Division Mazahim Mohamed (Independent Group)
Munawar Rafaideen (Deputy Mayor)
Metric
113,364 (Beruwala Division Area)
33,053 (Urban Area)
Beruwala (Sinhala:බේරුවල Tamil: பேருவளை) is a large town in Kalutara District, Western Province, Sri Lanka, governed by an Urban Council. The town covers a total area of approximately and is located on the south-west coast of Sri Lanka, south of Colombo.
Etymology
The name Beruwala is derived from the Sinhalese word for the place where the sail is lowered. It marks the spot for the first Muslim settlement on the island, established by a Somali Sheikh Yusuf bin Ahmad al-Kawneyn. The town was originally named Berbereen in honour and respect of the Somali Shaikh. The Chinese also traded here and Beruwala was known to them as Piehlo-li.
History
The first Muslim settlement of Sri Lanka was in Beruwala which is situated in the Western coastal area of the Island. Beruwala was named "Berbereen" in the past in honor of Yusuf bin Ahmad al-Kawneyn who is also known as Shaykh Abu Barakat al Barbari, a Somali Muslim scholar and a traveler who founded the city.
As a result of Arabs arriving and settling down in the western coastal areas of Sri Lanka such as Beruwala between the 10th to 12th centuries AD, Beruwala became a popular city for Unani medicine. During the 10th century Prince Jamal-ud-din, the son of Sultan of Konya arrived in Beruwala to practice Unani medicine. Eventually, Unani medicine was spread to many other parts of Sri Lanka and Unani Physicians can still be found in Beruwala and around Sri Lanka at present.
As a result of the relationship between the Muslims and the Sinhalese, Sri Lanka has had a Muslim Ruler called Vathimi Raja, also known as Vathimi Deiyo, who reigned in Kurunegala for a brief period during the 14th century. Vathimi Raja was a son of Buvanekabahu I, who married a Muslim spouse from Beruwala, the daughter of one of the chiefs. Vathimi Raja was first seen by the Arab traveler Ibn Batuta during his visit to Sri Lanka in 1344 while Vathimi Raja's son Parakrama Bahu II (Alkeshwara II) was a Muslim while the lineage of Alkeshwara Kings was ended in 1410.
The Vathimi Rajapura Housing Scheme in Beruwala was built in memory of Vathimi Raja and opened in the 1980's by the local Member of Parliament Alhaj M. A Bakeer Markar when he was then Speaker of the Parliament. M. A Bakeer Markar was once the acting Head of State of Sri Lanka, for a brief period in 1981, when President J. R. Jayewardene and Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa left for England to attend the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
Alhaj M. I. M Naleem, a gem merchant and local philanthropist contributed much for the development of Islamic culture, tradition, and education in Beruwala, and he was also the founder of Naleemiah Institute of Islamic Studies.
Demographics
Beruwala is a predominantly Muslim town. Islam is the main religion of Beruwala. The population of Beruwala is predominantly Sri Lankan Moors with a negligible number of numerous other ethnic groups, including Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, and Burghers.
Ethnicity according to Beruwala Urban Area (2007)
Indian Tamils Source:statistics.gov.lk Geography Climate
The climate in Beruwala is tropical. A significant amount of rainfall can be seen in Beruwala during the year. According to Köppen and Geiger, this climate is classified as Af. The average annual temperature is 26.3 °C | 79.3 °F in Beruwala. April being the warmest month, December has the lowest average temperature during the year in Beruwala.
Attractions
Ketchchimalai Mosque, one of Sri Lanka's oldest mosques, constructed by Arab traders.
Masjid Al Abrar, claimed to be the first Muslim Mosque of Sri Lanka, built in 920 ADs, presumably by Arab traders who frequented Sri Lanka by sea.
Barberyn Lighthouse, lighthouse on Barberyn Island.
Infrastructure Transport Roads
Beruwala is served by the A2 highway, which runs past the town.
Railway
Beruwala railway station, is in the Coastal Line, connecting Colombo to Matara and Beliatta.
Fishery Harbour
Beruwala Fishery Harbour is in the coastal stretch of Beruwala which is a naturally protected area used by merchant vessels for hundreds of years as a Port. It is said that the current Fishery Harbour could have been used as a port since the British Ceylon period.
The Fishery Harbour in Beruwala was initially constructed in 1965 by the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation. And since 1972 the maintenance and operations of the Fishery Harbour is carried out by the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation.
Education
Education institutions in Beruwala have a long history. Beruwala has many schools some of which are government-owned, and others are private. Beruwala has got the first and the oldest Muslim girls School in Sri Lanka which is Al Fasiyathul Nasriya Muslim Balika Navodaya Vidyalaya situated in the coastal area in Maradana, Beruwala. The school was heavily damaged by the tsunami-Indian Ocean earthquake and was repaired subsequently. An Islamic University is situated in Beruwala which is known as Naleemiah Institute of Islamic Studies also known as Jamiah Naleemiah was established in 1974 which provides seven years of Islamic Curriculum along with the Government curriculum.
Government Schools
Al Fasiyathul Nasriya Muslim Balika Navodaya Vidyalaya
Al Humaisara National School
Ariyawansha Maha Vidyalaya
Beruwala Buddhist Junior School
D. S. Senanayake National School
I. L. M. Samsudeen Vidyalaya
Massala Primary School
Naleem Hajiar Muslim Balika Vidyalaya (National School)
Zam Refai Hajiar Maha Vidyalaya (National School)
Government and politics Local government
Beruwala is governed by an Urban Council. Beruwala Urban area was previously divided into two as Beruwala Western Urban Area and Beruwala Eastern Urban Area. It was during the year 1950 both Western and Eastern Urban areas were merged into one Urban Area initiated by M. A. Bakeer Markar who was a Proctor of the Supreme Court at the time who also became the President of the Kalutara Bar Association and who became the Chairman of Beruwala Urban Council in the year 1950.
The Chairman and Council members are elected through local government elections held once in four years. During the past, the Council has been controlled by the United National Party and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. Following the 2018 Local Authority elections, an independent alignment supported by former Chairmen Mazahim Mohamed, Marjan Faleel MP and former Chairman of Beruwala UC, and Milfer Caffoor former Chairman of Beruwala UC won the elections. Mazahim Mohamed was subsequently appointed the Chairman and Munawar Rafaideen as Vice chairman of Beruwala Urban Council.
The Council Government provides sewer, road, and waste management services. The Urban Council liaises with the water supply and drainage board, the Ceylon electricity board and telephone service providers for Water, electricity, and telephone utility services.
City Limits
Beruwala is divided into nine Wards or divisions.
Ward Number Ward Name 1 Polkotuwa 2 Akkaragoda 3 Cheenakotuwa 4 Kankanamgoda 5 Maligahena 6 Hettiyakanda 7 Maradana 8 Gorakaduwa 9 Mahagoda
Twin towns and sister cities
Beruwala is twinned with:
Reading, United Kingdom [2004]
References External links |
Source: Historic Beruwela - the
entry point of Arabs
by Alhaj A. H. M. Azwer, M.P. Minister
of Parliamentary Affairs
DN, Wed Jun 11, 2003: In the fifteenth
century, Devinuvara was one of the flourishing cities in the Island. Other
noteworthy parts were Beruwela, Bentota, Galle, Valigama. Beruwela, noted
earlier, was perhaps the most prosperous. It was a busy settlement of Muslim
merchants with many beautiful mansions and large, "permanent" shops,
(R.A.L.H. Gunawardana in Sri Lanka and the Silk Road of the Sea).
The Masjidul Abraar
Historians of repute, both local and
foreign, have always noted that Beruwela was indeed a prosperous city with its
flourishing port. Indeed it was this port, situated 56 Kilometres South of the
capital Colombo, which brought the city its fame and prosperity.
It was no surprise that Beruwela assumed
such a significant position, as it is located at the centre of the ancient sea
route between the East and the West, alongside other port cities such as Colombo
and Galle. According to reliable historical records, the Arabs landed in
Beruwela even before the advent of Islam which was in the 6th century A.D. After
they embraced Islam, the Islamic tradition and culture too found its way into
ancient Ceylon through Beruwela, paving the way for the Sinhala kings to
establish a strong bond with the Islamic world.
W.J.M. Lokubandara, who is the present
Minister of Justice, Law Reforms and National Integration and Leader of the
House and a respected scholar of Buddhist history, opines that the teachings of
Buddhism too inspired the ancient kings to seek knowledge and understanding of
other cultures.
He says that the 'ehipassika' (come and
see) formula which is much valued by Buddhists, eschews the condemnation of
other religions, and deserves close scrutiny and understanding. He also adds
that, presumably, it was this open minded view that influenced King Agrabodhi to
send a Sri Lankan delegation to Iraq, by way of the Silk Route, for the purpose
of making a study of the doctrine of the Prophet. Such lines of contact must
have influenced the Arab traveller Ibn Batuta to come to Sri Lanka to seek out
the sacred Samantakuta Mountain, 'just forty leagues from Paradise'. Identified
with the 'footprints that kindled the faith of those who came from the Middle
East, while the famous gem fields in the area offered an enticing commodity to
merchants from that region, thus satisfying the demands of both religion and
commerce (in Sri Lanka and Silk Road of the Sea).
R.A.L.H. Gunawardana elucidating on the
presence of Arabs, Berbers and the ritual of whirling dances at Beruwela,
suggests a close connection between Ceylon and the Mamluk Kingdom of Egypt,
which existed from 1250 to 1517 A.D. The initiatives of King Buvanekabahu appear
to have brought forth some permanent results in the establishment of a
settlement of merchants from the Mamluk kingdom at Beruwela and the introduction
of the influence of the Mawalawiya Sect. It is noteworthy, he says, that the
Dambadeni Asna, in which the earliest reference to the land of the Berbers
occurs, was written in the reign of the third or the fourth king who bore the
name Parakramabahu, that is, between 1287 and 1293 or between 1302 and 1326
which would be soon after or close to the reign of Buvanekabahu.
Beruwela, according to some historians
derived its name from two Sinhala words, viz. Be (lower) and Ruwala (sail),
which denotes the place where the sails of the Arab merchant vessels were
lowered. However another version traces the name to the famed North African
(Berber) traveller Abu Yusuf al-Barbari, who is believed to have introduced
Islam to the Maldivians.
In fact, Arabs called this place
Berberyn. Berr..Berr.. means stop or pause. When the early Arab settlers arrived
by sea and on sighting a tiny islet, they, overcome with joy, cried out
"Berr..Berr.." to their oarsmen of the catamarans to stop. This island
call Berberyn still adds picturesque atmosphere to the environ to the area in
the sea waters almost facing Al-Fasiyathum Nasriya Muslim girls Vidyalaya, the
first Muslim school set up in the island, thereby Beruwala assuming prominence
in yet another domain i.e. pioneering Muslim female education at the very spot
where their forefathers landed.
The renowned Muslim traveller mentioned
earlier, Ibn Batuta, who has written much about Sri Lanka in his travelling
episodes, is also a Berber. The Arabs, who possessed a tremendous knowledge of
the sea routes, were inevitably employed by the Sinhalese Kings to handle the
country's commerce and trade. They were also sent as ambassadors to the Islamic
empires, which were in fact regarded as the 'super powers' of that era.
A significant contribution of the Arabs
in Sri Lanka, the Unani medicine system, found its way to this country through
Beruwela. Tradition has it that in the 10th century, Prince Jamal-ud-din, the
son of the Sultan of Konya (in Asia Minor) arrived here and practised Unani
medicine.
Many Unani physicians have had the honour
to serve the kings in the palace as well. For instance, Muhandiram Mohamed
Odeyar who belonged to the famous Behethge clan, served as a physician to the
Kandyan Kings.
Even the princes of Maldives sailed to
Ceylon in order to get treatment from the Unani physicians. It was also a common
sight those days in Beruwela and other parts of the country where the Maldivians
used to sell their products, the delicious Bondi Haluva and Diya Hakuru.
Following the rapid development that took place in Maldive Islands under the
leadership of President Gayoom, they became preposterous and the sight of
Maldivians selling these items gradually disappeared from our country.
Although the Unani medical practice has
declined significantly in Sri Lanka, quite a number of them could still be found
practising in various parts of the country, including in Beruwela. The
grandfather of former Speaker, Deshamanya Alhaj. M.A. Bakeer Markar was an
established Unani physician of the area. Muslims use the term "Hakeem"
when referring to a physician, which means literally a person of wisdom in
Arabic. In Beruwela, the 'Hakeem Villa,' still stands as a monument to this
family of physicians. Former Speaker Bakeer Markar, distinguished educationist
S.L.M. Shaife Marikar, senior lawyer of the area A.W.M. Razik Marikar and the
present Minister of Mass Communications Imthiaz Bakeer Markar hail from this
illustrious lineage. Their ancestors came from Hazramouth in Arabia (present day
Yemen) in the 7th century A.D. It is said that four vessels sailed from Yemen
with three Sultans, namely, Bad-ur-din, Salah-ud-din and Mohamed. They landed at
Mannar and settled there. Sad-ur-din the son of Mohamed, sailed further south
along the West coast and settled in Beruwela (Ethnological survey of the Muslims
of Sir Lanka - Sri Razik Fareed Foundation).
Beruwela's contribution to the cultural
diversity and racial amity un-paralleled in the history of Sri Lanka, from the
period of the original Arab settlements to the present day where the Sinhalese,
Tamils, Muslims and others lived in harmony. The Arab traders were inspired by
the Islamic teaching of fairness in business dealings, as taught by the Holy
Prophet Muhammed (Sal), who was a trader himself when He received the Revelation
from God Almighty. The Holy Quran too commands the faithful to "Give full
measure when you measure, and weight with a balance that is straight: That is
better and fairer in the final determination" (17:35). It was due to
nurturing such traditions that the locals developed an immense trust in them.
In an era when there was no banking
system, the Sinhalese used to deposit their jewellery and other items with
village Muslims, when they leave their houses and go on Negam. Upon arrival they
will receive their valuables correctly and safely. Even the jewelleries were
always purchased from the Moors by the wealthy Sinhalese.
Beruwela was also a Citadel of Islamic
art, which is evident by the beautiful ancient Mosques that are built in the
area. The sight of the Kechchimalai Mosque along the coast has always been a
treat to the weary traveller. The Muslim travellers never fail to stop at this
place to refresh themselves physically as well as spiritually.
The precious stones from the 'Gem City'
Ratnapura, found their way to Beruwela where they traded hands. It was a
valuable source of foreign exchange for Sri Lanka for a long period of time. The
great philanthropist of Beruwela, Alhaj M. I. M. Naleem, who rose to prominence
through the gem trade, contributed much for the development of Islamic culture
and tradition, the founding of the Islamic Institute, Jamiya Naleemiya being one
of them, following the footsteps of his distinguished immediate predecessors
such as Alhaj N. D. H. Abdul Cafoor and 'Rubber King' E. L. Ibrahim Hajiar, who
have donated much of their wealth for the development of education and for the
welfare of the disabled and orphans. It should be gratefully remembered that
Alhaj N. D. H. Abdul Cafoor provided land and buildings for Zahira College, Home
for the Blind in Ratmalana and Boys Home and Gafooriya Arabic College in
Maharagama, among others. E. L. Ibrahim Hajiar used to distribute foodstuff and
dates among thousands of people sans any communal and ethnic differences during
the month of Ramazan, beginning from Veyangalle in the Kalutara District up to
the bridge of Moratuwa.
When the Portuguese first arrived in
Ceylon Muslims had already developed to an indigenous lot developing their own
and unique identity, with a mixture of Arab, Sinhalese and Tamil blood. Tamil
has gradually replaced Arabic as their language of communication, largely due to
their interaction with the South Indian Muslim traders. The usage of
Arabic-Tamil (Arabu-Thamil) in which poems were composed eulogising the lives of
the Holy Prophet, His Companions and the famous Saints of Islam was prevalent
among them. Even today, many Muslim families are seen sitting together in a
circle, singing these poems in a rhythmic tone. This practice has served as an
important tool to inculcate Islamic values among Muslim children for centuries.
The Muslims were also equally adept in
Sinhala, a trend that continues unabated to this day, although English too is
used among a bulk of the present generation. For the Portuguese however, the
Muslims have always been 'Moors', who ruled Spain for eight hundred years
between the 7th and 15th century A. D. It is this reference that came here to
stay and used by the Sri Lankan Muslims.
Beruwela has also produced a Muslim Ruler
by the name of Vathimi Raja who reigned in Kurunegala for a brief period during
the 14th century. He was the son of Buvanekabahu I, by a Muslim spouse from
Beruwela. He is still remembered by the people of Kurunegala as Vathimi Deiyo or
Gale Bandara Deiyo. There is also a Vattimirajapura housing scheme, which was
fittingly opened by the late Alhaj M. A. Bakeer Markar and appropriately named
in remembrance of the King Vathimi. As destined, when he was the Speaker, Alhaj
M. A. Bakeer Markar too was the Acting Head of State for a brief period in 1981,
when President J. R. Jayewardene and Prime Minister R. Premadasa left for
England to attend the wedding ceremony of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
The Bard of Beruwela
The tradition of racial integration and
linguistic ability nurtured by the early Muslim still flourishes from this area.
The name of Bakeer Markar - the Bard of Beruwela - was synonymous with Beruwela
in the post-Independence era. He studied in Tamil under the able guidance of
Pulavar Pandithar Muna Nallathambi at Zahira College, Colombo. He also mastered
the Sinhala and English languages. With the guidance of his mentor and Political
Guru Dr. T. B. Jayah, he grew up to become an amiable leader, who was loved by
people of all communities. He finally became the Governor (Ruler) of the
Southern Province, which could be regarded as a historic sequence to the
ascension of a previous ruler from Beruwela to the Throne.
Bakeer Markar's eldest son, the present
Minister of Mass Communication too has endeared not only to the people of
Beruwela but also to the entire nation. Educated at Ananda College, Colombo, he
was the President of the Sinhala Debating Society of this leading Buddhist
Institute. Today, Imthiaz is popular as one of the best Sinhala orators of this
country. Minister W. J. M. Lokubandara paid a rich tribute when he described
Imthiaz as a 'Jathika Sampatha' (a national treasure) during the Mass
Communication Ministry's Budget Debate in Parliament in 2002.
It is most commendable that this 'heir to
the throne', Imthiaz Bakeer Markar issued a postage stamp (08th June 2003) to
commemorate the first Muslim Mosque of Ceylon, the Masjidul Abraar, which is
situated in the Maradana area of Beruwela. This Masjid was built in the year 920
AD by the Arab traders in conjunction with "Meelad-un-Nabi", the
birthday of Holy Prophet Mohammed. Under the guidance and leadership of the
elder Bakeer Markar, the mosque was rebuilt restoring its pristine glory -
magnificently designed by that eminent architect W. J. Neil Alles of Surti and
Alles Chartered Architects. The names of Alhaj S. M. A. Hameed and M. N. A.
Haniffa (popularly known as 'Haniffa Baas') are also forever remembered for
their valuable contribution in renovating the Mosque.
A significant feature of the event was
the declaration of this Mosque as a place of historic significance and a
cultural heritage by the Minister of Human Resources, Education and Cultural
Affairs, Dr. Karunasena Kodithuwakku. It is very significant that, this is the
first time in the history of our country that a place of Islamic culture and
heritage has been declared as a national monument of the nation.
Beruwela: A
centre of national unity since early Arab settlements
- Alhaj A. H. M. Azwer, M.P.,
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs - Sunday Observer Jun 29 2003
In the Fifteenth Century, Devinuwara was
one of the flourishing cities in the island. Other noteworthy parts were
Beruvala, Bentota, Galle, Valigama. Beruvala, noted earlier, was perhaps the
most prosperous. It was a busy settlement of Muslim merchants with many
beautiful mansions and large, "permanent" shops. (R. A. L. H.
Gunawardana in Sri Lanka and the Silk Road of the Sea).
The ‘Hakeem Villa’ - birthplace of Markars -
which still stands as a monument to the family of physicians from
Beruwela. Even the Maldivian royalty of yore used to visit this place
for treatment.
Historians of repute, both local and
foreign, have always noted that Beruwela was indeed a prosperous city with its
flourishing port. Indeed it was this port, situated 56 kilometres south of the
capital Colombo, which brought the city its fame and prosperity.
It was no surprise that Beruwela assumed
such a significant position, as it is located at the centre of the ancient sea
route between the East and the West, alongside other port cities such as Colombo
and Galle. According to reliable historical records, the Arabs landed in
Beruwela even before the advent of Islam which was in the 6th Century A. D.
After they embraced Islam, the Islamic tradition and culture too found its way
into ancient Ceylon through Beruwela, paving the way for the Sinhala Kings to
establish a strong bond with the Islamic world.
W. J. M. Lokubandara, who is the present
Minister of Justice, Law Reform and National Integration and Leader of the House
and a respected scholar of Buddhist history, says that the teachings of Buddhism
too inspired the ancient kings to seek knowledge and understanding of other
cultures. He says that the 'ehipassika' (come and see) formula, which is much
valued by Buddhists, eschews the condemnation of other religions, and deserves
close scrutiny and understanding.
He also adds that, presumably, it was
this open-minded view that influenced King Agrabodhi to send a Sri Lankan
delegation to Iraq, by way of the Silk Routes, for the purpose of making a study
of the doctrine of the Prophet. Such lines of contact must have influenced the
Arab traveller Ibn Batuta to come to Sri Lanka to seek out the sacred
Samantakuta Mountain, 'just forty leagues from paradise'.
Identified with the 'footprints that
kindled the faith of those who came from the Middle East, while the famous gem
fields in the area offered an enticing commodity to merchants from that region,
thus satisfying the demands of both religion and commerce (in Sri Lanka and the
Silk Road of the Sea).
Beruwela, according to some historians
derived in name from two Sinhala words, viz. Be (lower) and Ruwala (sail), which
denotes the place where the sails of the Arab merchant vessels were lowered.
However another version traces the name to the famed North African (Berber)
traveller Abu Yusuf al-Barbari, who is believed to have introduced Islam to the
Maldivians.
First Muslim Ladies’ School in Sri Lanka. Al-Fasiyathul Nasriya Muslim
Balika Maha Vidyalaya, situated close to the original landing place of
the Arab merchants.
In fact, Arabs called this place as
Berberyn. Berr..Berr.. which means to stop or pause. When the early Arab
settlers arrived by sea and on sighting a tiny islet, they, overcame with joy,
cried out "Berr..Berr" to their oarsmen of the catamarans to stop.
This island call Berberyn still adds picturesque atmosphere to the environs of
the area in the sea, almost facing Al-Fasiyathum Nasriya Muslim Girls'
Vidyalaya, the first Muslim school set up in the island, thereby Beruwela
assuming prominence in yet another domain, i.e. pioneering Muslim female
education at the very spot where their forefathers landed.
Royal physicians
A significant contribution of the Arabs
in Sri Lanka, the Unani medicine system, found its way to this country through
Beruwela. Tradition has it that in the 10th Century, Prince Jamal-ud-din, the
son of the Sultan of Konya (in Asia Minor) arrived here and practised Unani
medicine.
According to Dr. C. G. Uragoda, Unani
physicians at first transmitted their medical knowledge orally to members of
their own families. Later, information was written down in Tamil language in
Arabic script, and kept within the family. Many of the medicinal plants found in
the Kandyan areas and used in Ayurveda began to be employed in the Unani system
too, Unani drugs were brought to the country by trading vessels coming from
Arabia and the Persian Gulf. These drugs consisted of mainly syrups, which
contained ingredients such as rose petals, grapes, dates and musk. Many local
constituents were also made use of.
Many Unani physicians have had the honour
to serve the Kings in the palace as well. For instance, Muhandiram Mohamed
Odeyar who belonged to the famous Behethge clan, served as a physician to the
Kandyan Kings. Hakeem villa
Although the Unani medical practice has
declined significantly in Sri Lanka, quite a number of them could still be found
practising in various parts of the country, including in Beruwela. The
grandfather of former Speaker, Deshamanya Alhaj M. A. Bakeer Markar was an
established Unani physician of the area. Muslims use the term 'Hakeem' when
referring to a physician, which means literally a person of wisdom in Arabic. In
Beruwela, the 'Hakeem Villa', still stands as a monument to this family of
physicians.
Beruwela's contribution to the cultural
diversity and racial amity is un-paralleled in the history of Sri Lanka, from
the period of the original Arab settlements to the present day where the
Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and others lived in harmony. The Arab traders were
inspired by the Islamic teaching of fairness in business dealings, as taught by
the Holy Prophet Muhammed (Sal), Who was a trader himself when He received the
Revelation from God Almighty. The Holy Quran too commands the faithful to
"Give full measure when you measure, and weigh with a balance that is
straight: That is better and fairer in the final determination" (17:35). It
was due to nurturing such traditions that the locals developed an immense trust
in them.
In an era when there was no banking
system the Sinhalese used to deposit their jewellery and other items with
village Muslims, when they leave their houses and go on Negam. Upon arrival they
will receive their valuables correctly and safely. Even the jewelleries were
always purchased from the Moors by the wealthy Sinhalese.
Beruwela was also a citadel of Islamic
art, which is evident by the beautiful ancient Mosques that are built in the
area. The sight of the Kechchimalai Mosque along the coast has always been a
treat to the weary traveller. The Muslim travellers never fail to stop at this
place to refresh themselves physically as well as spiritually.
Philanthropists
The precious stones from the 'Gem City'
Ratnapura, found their way to Beruwela where they traded hands. It was a
valuable source of foreign exchange for Sri Lanka for a long period of time. The
great philanthropist of Beruwela, Alhaj M. I. M. Naleem, who rose to prominence
through the gem trade, contributed much for the development of Islamic culture
and tradition, the founding of the Islamic Institute, Jamiya Naleemiya being one
of them, following the footsteps of his distinguished immediate predecessors.
When the Portuguese first arrived in
Ceylon in the early 6th Century, Muslims have already developed to an indigenous
lot developing their own and unique identity, with a mixture of Arab, Sinhalese
and Tamil blood. Tamil had gradually replaced Arabic as their language of
communication, largely due to their interaction with the South Indian Muslim
Traders.
The usage of Arabic-Tamil (Arabu-Thamil)
in which poems were composed eulogising the lives of the Holy Prophet, His
companions and the famous Saints of Islam was prevalent among them. Even today,
many Muslim families are seen sitting together in a circle, signing these poems
in a rhythmic tone. This practice has served as an important tool to inculcate
Islamic values among Muslim children for centuries.
The Muslims were also equally adept in
Sinhala, a trend that continues unabated to this day, although English too is
used among a bulk of the present generation. For the Portuguese however, the
Muslims have always been 'Moors,' who ruled Spain for eight hundred years
between the 7th and 15th Century A.D. It is this reference that came here to
stay and is used by the Sri Lankan Muslims.
Rulers
Beruwela has also produced a Muslim Ruler
by the name of Vathimi Raja who reigned in Kurunegala for a brief period during
the 14th Century. He was the son of Buvanekabahu I, by a Muslim spouse from
Beruwela. He is still remembered by the people of Kurunegala as Vathimi Deiyo or
Gale Bandara Deiyo. There is also a Vattimirajapura housing scheme, which was
fittingly opened by the late Alhaj M. A. Bakeer Markar and appropriately named
in remembrance of the King Vathimi.
As destined, when he was the Speaker,
Alhaj M. A. Bakeer Markar too was the Acting Head of State for a brief period in
1981, when President J. R. Jayewardene and Prime Minister R. Premadasa left for
England to attend the wedding ceremony of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
Bard of Beruwela
The tradition of racial integration and
linguistic ability nurtured by the early Muslim still flourishes from this area.
It is most commendable that Imthiaz
Bakeer Markar issued a postage stamp on 08th June 2003 to commemorate the first
Muslim Mosque of Ceylon, the Masjidul Abraar, which is situated in the Maradana
area of Beruwela. This Masjid was built in the year 920 AD by the Arab traders
in conjunction with 'Meelad-un-Nabi', the birthday of Holy Prophet Mohammed.
Under the guidance and leadership of the elder Bakeer Markar, the Mosque was
rebuilt restoring its pristine glory - magnificently designed by that eminent
architect W. J. Neil Alles of Surti & Alles Chartered Architects.
The names of Alhaj S. M. A. Hameed and M.
N. A. Haniffa (popularly known as 'Haniffa Baas') are also forever remembered
for their valuable contribution in renovating the Mosque.
A significant feature of the event was
the declaration of this Mosque a place of historic significant and a cultural
heritage by the Minister of Human Resources, Education and Cultural Affairs, Dr.
Karunasena Kodithuwakku.
It is very significant that, this is the
first time in the history of our country that place of Islamic culture and
heritage has been declared as a national monument.
Beruwela
- how it got its name
In
the Sunday Island June 22 Al Haj A. H. M. Azwer MP and Minister of Parliamentary
Affairs claims that according to some historians Beruwela derived its name from
two Sinhala words which denotes the place where the sails (of the Arab merchant
vessels) were lowered. He goes on to quote the Arabic cry of Ber, Ber! to
transform an old place name which is explicit of the change of a prominent
topographical feature of the district of which Beruwela and Barberyn form only a
small area. There
is more support in history as well as the Sinhala language for the idea that
Beruwela derived its name from the motivation and enterprise of a King of days
gone by. The hinterland of Beruwela had been a vast expanse of marsh or
‘wela’. It was as it is now a catchment for the monsoon rains which come
down hard in the district.
The
vast expanse of marsh was drained on the orders of the king. The network of
canals which took the water away is seen to this day. In fact, the hinterland
apart from the high ground is yet an expanse of wetland.
When
the marsh was drained (beru), there was no better name for it than the drained
marsh - Beruwela. One
wonders if the native Sinhalese were living there after the marsh was drained
and Beruwela became a habitable place saw the sails folding on the horizon and
called the place ‘Bey ruwela’ in an Arabic accent. It should have been
‘Ba’ to lower. Or
whether those fleeing from the poverty of their lives in the desert (no oil or
water then) had the command of the Sinhala language to give the place such a
name from far out in the sea.
It
is a general rule that our place names are derived from the local topographical
features and not from the impressions of sailors from afar.
Upali Gunasekera Matara |