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Hoarafushi (Dhivehi: ހޯރަފުށި) is one of the inhabited islands of Haa Alif Atoll. 'Hoarafushi island is named after the hoara bird which used to be seen there. A hoara is a Greater Frigate bird'

'Usually seen soaring over the sea or circling an island, often so high as to appear a mere speck against the sky. Its flight is remarkably swift and graceful, and it remains on the wing throughout practically the whole day. It procures its food from the surface of the water or by compelling terns, gannets and other seabirds to disgorge their prey which it adroitly catches.'

Hoarafushi island is also called Huvarafushi.

It is one of the most northern islands in Maldives. The people who live in Hoarafushi claim to have originated from Gudhanfushi, a vanished island adjacent to Huvahandhoo. The population moved to Huvuhandhoo as Gudhanfushi eroded away. They later moved again to Hoarafushi. It is claimed that Hoarafushi used to be covered in massive Lettuce trees, Pisonia grandis.

The new settlers called the island both Huvarafushi and Hoarafushi.Hathifushi Kaannaa Kaleygefaan was buried at the Kuda mosque of this island. He died on the 25 Safar 1338 (November 1919).In 1206 A.H., during the reign of King Hassan Nuraddheen, the royal Bodu Ban'deyri was Hathifushi Mohamed Handheygiri. It is also said to be that the Huyy Ali Didi the (first poet of the Maldives)was buried at same cemetery.

So far five non governmental organization has formed in Hoarafushi, they are 'Hoarafushi Sports Club, Hoarafushi Zuvaanunge Jamiyya, Past Student Association of Ha. Atoll School, Hoarafushi Advancement Society and Friends and Native Society.

Horafushi has produced number of genus citizens to Maldives, ranging from physics to music, Academic to poet. Some of them are Abdulla Hamza (person who invented hand operating fan), Late Rihikudahuththu, (who produced mind game) Late Ibrahim Fulhube, (Who produced clock by local products) late Adam Saleem (Famous poet) Late Ibrahim Nasir (Famous Musician) Late Fareedha Mohamed Fulhu (Famous Singer)

When the word Hoarafushi is heard, it is usually accompanied by fan.Fan not only refers to an island, it is also used as part of those islanders' nicknames or titles. But when people say There's a fan we all know it means someone from Hoarafushi.

A hand-operated fan was indeed invented in Hoarafushi. It was designed by Abdulla Hamza, an ingenious and skillful engineer who was born in the island, and still lives there. The invention has become an alternative name for his birthplace.

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