Mombasa Rich History
Mombasa Rich History : Mombasa is a city located on the coast of Kenya, East Africa. It is the second-largest city in Kenya after Nairobi and is the country’s main port. Mombasa is a major tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and diverse culture.
The city has a rich history, having been ruled by various foreign powers including the Portuguese, the Arabs, and the British. As a result, Mombasa has a unique blend of Swahili, Arabic, and European influences, which is reflected in its architecture, food, and way of life.
Some of the top attractions in Mombasa include Fort Jesus, an ancient Portuguese fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Old Town, with its narrow streets and traditional Swahili architecture; and the Haller Park, a nature reserve that is home to a variety of wildlife including giraffes, zebras, and hippos.
Mombasa is also a hub for international trade and commerce, with its port. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the 9th century.
One of the earliest recorded mentions of Mombasa comes from the writings of the Arab geographer Al-Masudi, who described the city as a prosperous trading centre in the 10th century. Mombasa was an important centre for trade between the Indian Ocean and the interior of East Africa, with goods such as ivory, slaves, and spices being traded through the port.
Early life in Mombasa
Early life in Mombasa would have varied depending on a number of factors, such as social status, ethnicity, religion, and family background. However, there are some general aspects of life in Mombasa that can be described.
One of the most notable features of life in Mombasa is the city’s location on the coast. The Indian Ocean provides a source of livelihood for many people, with fishing being an important industry. In addition, the coast has historically been a hub for trade, with ships arriving from India, Arabia, and other parts of the world.
Mombasa is also a multicultural city, with people from many different ethnic and religious backgrounds living together. The Swahili people, who have their own unique language and culture, are the largest ethnic group in the area. Other ethnic groups include the Mijikenda, who live in the rural areas surrounding the city, and people of Arab and South Asian descent who have been living in Mombasa for generations.
Religion is an important aspect of life in Mombasa, with Islam being the predominant religion. Many of the city’s landmarks, such as the Old Town and Fort Jesus, are associated with Islam. Christianity is also present in Mombasa, with a number of churches located throughout the city.
Early life in Mombasa would have been shaped by the city’s location on the coast, its multiculturalism, and its history and traditions.
The Portuguese rule in Mombasa
The Portuguese arrived in Mombasa in the late 15th century, and their rule over the city lasted for almost two centuries.
In 1498, Vasco da Gama became the first European to reach Mombasa. The Portuguese established a fort in the city in 1593, and this marked the beginning of their direct rule over the region. The fort, known as Fort Jesus, was strategically located on a coral ridge overlooking the entrance to the Old Port of Mombasa. The Portuguese used the fort as a base for their commercial and military activities in the region.
The Portuguese were interested in Mombasa because of its strategic location on the Indian Ocean trade routes. They sought to control the trade of spices, gold, ivory, and slaves that passed through the port. They also wanted to spread Christianity in the region.
The Portuguese ruled Mombasa through a governor appointed by the viceroy of Portuguese India. The governor was assisted by a council of advisors, which included Portuguese merchants and officials. The Portuguese imposed heavy taxes on the local population, which led to resentment and resistance.
In 1631, the Portuguese were expelled from Mombasa by the Swahili people, who were supported by the Omanis. The Portuguese regained control of the city in 1632 but were expelled again in 1698 by the Arab rulers of Oman. The Omanis ruled Mombasa until the late 19th century when the British took control of the city and the surrounding region.
The Portuguese rule in Mombasa had a lasting impact on the city’s culture, architecture, and language. Portuguese influence can still be seen in the city’s fortifications, churches, and language. Many Swahili words have Portuguese origins, and the cuisine of the region also reflects Portuguese influence.
In the 16th century, Mombasa was ruled by the Sultanate of Oman, which had a strong influence on the city’s architecture and culture. The Portuguese, who had established a presence in East Africa in the early 16th century, seized control of Mombasa in 1593 after a long siege. The Portuguese ruled the city for nearly a century before they were ousted by the Omanis in 1698.
Omani Rule
Under Omani rule, Mombasa flourished as a centre of commerce and culture, with significant Arab and Indian influence. The city remained under Omani control until the late 19th century, when the British East Africa Company took over and made Mombasa the capital of the newly established protectorate of Kenya. Omanis ruled Mombasa from the late 17th century to the late 19th century. During this time, Mombasa was an important trading port on the East African coast, and Omani rule brought stability and prosperity to the region.
The Omani ruler of Zanzibar, Seyyid Said, conquered Mombasa in 1837, and the city became part of the Sultanate of Zanzibar. The Omanis brought new technologies, such as the cultivation of cloves and coconut, which boosted the economy of the region.
Under Omani rule, Mombasa became an important centre for ivory and slave trade. The Omanis used the port of Mombasa as a base for their trading activities, which extended as far as the Congo River in central Africa.
However, the slave trade was abolished by the British in the late 19th century, and this led to the decline of Omani rule in the region. In 1895, the British East Africa Company took control of Mombasa, and the Sultanate of Zanzibar became a British protectorate.
During the colonial period, Mombasa continued to grow as a port city, and it became a key transportation hub for goods and people traveling between East Africa and Europe. After Kenya gained independence in 1963, Mombasa remained an important centre of commerce and tourism, with its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage attracting visitors from around the world. Mombasa was under British colonial rule from 1895 until Kenya gained independence in 1963. During this period, the British exercised political and economic control over Mombasa and the surrounding areas.
The British established Mombasa as an important port city in East Africa, and it became a crucial hub for trade and commerce. The port was used to export goods such as coffee, tea, and sisal, and import manufactured goods and raw materials.
The British also implemented policies to control and exploit the local population. They imposed a system of forced labour, known as the “hut tax,” which required every adult male to pay a tax in order to live in a house. This system forced many people to work in British-owned plantations or mines in order to pay their taxes.
The British also introduced laws that gave them control over land ownership and restricted the movement of Africans. They created a system of reserves, where Africans were forced to live in designated areas, and prohibited them from owning land outside of these areas.
Despite these oppressive policies, Mombasa and other parts of Kenya also saw significant development during the colonial period. The British built infrastructure such as roads, railways, and buildings, and introduced modern technologies like electricity and telecommunications.
Mombasa’s experience under British colonial rule was one of exploitation, discrimination, and segregation, but also one of economic growth and development.
Today, Mombasa is a vibrant city with a diverse population and a rich blend of African, Arab, and European cultures. Its historical landmarks, such as the 16th-century Fort Jesus and the Old Town, continue to draw visitors interested in the city’s rich history and culture.
