Two Ancient on the East African Coastline Essay Example

different parts of the Indian Ocean. Historical records mention that Chinese ships from Zheng He's fleet sank near Lamu Island in Kenya in 1415. According to these accounts, survivors settled on the island and married local women. Although some doubt the accuracy of this story, it is confirmed that the Chinese were among the earliest visitors to the East African coast.

The port of Lamu has been in existence for over a thousand years. Its presence was first documented in writing by Abu-al-Mahasini, an Arab traveller who encountered a Judge from Lamu during his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1441. The town's history is characterized by the Portuguese invasion that commenced in 1506 and the subsequent Omani rule from approximately 1813, which coincided with the Battle of Shela. The Portuguese invasion was driven by their desire to control trade along the Indian Ocean coastline. Portugal enjoyed a monopoly on shipping in this region for a significant period, imposing export taxes on the existing local trade routes.

In the 1580s, Lamu rebelled against the Portuguese due to Turkish raids. In 1652, Oman helped Lamu regain control from the Portuguese. Lamu flourished as an Omani protectorate, becoming a hub for poetry, politics, arts and crafts, and trade. The authority of the Sultan of Oman grew in the 17th and early 18th centuries, leading to prosperity for Lamu. The residents of Lamu and Oman constructed and reconstructed many traditional stone houses and mosques throughout this period.

In the late 18th century, Lamu's trading activities declined as the focus shifted to Mombasa due to the port's significant development. Disputes with Pate in the 19th century resulted in the construction of

Lamu Fort in 1821, which was supported by the new Sultan of Oman. During this period, Lamu also regained wealth by trading goods from mainland plantations with Zanzibar's Sultan of Oman. Throughout the 19th century, a substantial number of slaves made up a significant portion of Lamu's population.

Following the end of slavery in East Africa during the late 1800s, Lamu Old Town faced a decline as it lost its source of cheap labor. Consequently, it transformed into a small local port. Nevertheless, this isolation also contributed to safeguarding Lamu's remarkable architecture, traditional values, and way of life. Culturally speaking, the stone town originated in the 14th century and exhibits numerous exceptional instances of Swahili architecture. Once a center for slave trading, Lamu presently accommodates a diverse population ethnically.

Lamu, located on the primary Arabian trading routes, has a predominantly Muslim population. The locals call the old town Mkomani and it is the largest stone town along the East African coast. It can be easily explored on foot. Although the town originated in the 14th century, most of its buildings were constructed during Lamu's Golden Age in the 18th century. These buildings are two or three stories high and line narrow streets. Usita wa Mui serves as the main street, which used to face the sea but has been disconnected from the quayside due to construction that began in the mid-1800s.

The local cuisine on this island has been influenced by various culinary cultures as different people settled here. Some popular dishes include lobster, prawns, and parrotfish. The Maulidi Festival is held annually during the last week of the Prophet's birth month at the Riyadha

Mosque, serving as its center. Pilgrims from Sudan, Congo, Uganda, Zanzibar, and Tanzania gather during this festival to sing praises to Mohammad. In terms of architecture, there are ancient buildings such as Lamu Fort that were built between 1809 and 1821.

The tile awning over the verandah at the front was originally made of makuti thatch. Inside, there are internal walkways and awnings surrounding a central courtyard. The construction of the building is made of coral blocks covered with mortar around the battlements. Mosques in this ancient coastal town serve as well-preserved examples from different eras. The oldest mosque in Lamu is believed to be the Pwani Mosque, which is located near the Fort and dates back to 1370. The Jumaa Mosque, dating from 1511, is situated at the north end of town and is the second oldest in Lamu. The M’na Lalo Mosque, located in the center of town, was built in 1753.

The economy of Lamu relied on slave trade until it was abolished in 1907. The region also exported ivory, mangrove, turtle shells, and rhinoceros horn, which were shipped via the Indian Ocean to the Middle East and India. The construction of the Uganda Railroad in 1901, starting from the competing port of Mombassa, had a significant negative impact on Lamu's economy. However, in recent years, tourism has gradually revived the local economy. Lamu Museum, situated on Kenyatta Road, is a historical attraction with a library and potential appeal to tourists.

The National Museum of Kenya operates the Swahili House Museum, an important conservation site for old Lamu. In this museum, visitors can find a collection of photographs taken by French Photographer

Guillain between 1846 and 1849, showcasing various aspects of Lamu. Restored to its original state, the traditional Swahili house is furnished with authentic furniture. The museum operates daily from 1800 to 1800 and requires a small entrance fee. Another notable architectural example is the House of Liwali Sud bin Hamad, which reflects the distinctive style of Swahili architecture. In the past, a Liwali served as a governor appointed by the Sultan of Zanx. Shela village, situated south of Lamu Town, is also a historical stone town worth exploring.

The town is the closest beach to Stone Town and can be accessed by a 40-minute walk. There are various old buildings in the town, including a Mosque positioned behind Peponi's Dodori and Boni National Reserves. These reserves are situated in the far north of the Kenyan coast, near the Somali border. Due to recent troubles in Somalia, specific parts of this region have been restricted for tourists for some time. Manda Island, which is located just north of Lamu, is famous for its airstrip and serves as a popular destination for day trips to witness the ruins at Takwa.

Despite being similar in size to Lamu, the island has a small permanent population because of a lack of freshwater and cultivatable land. The Takwa Ruins are remnants of an ancient Swahili town that thrived between the 15th and 17th centuries, accommodating around 2,000 to 3,000 people. Pate town, which is located near Lamu, also has a rich history. Its earliest discovered remains date back to the 13th century, though some accounts suggest it may have existed as early as the eighth century. The town prospered until

about 1600 and was well-known for its workshops that specialized in Northern crafts.

Wood-carving workshops can be found at the northern end of the town, by the waterfront. You can take a tour of these workshops, as the owners are happy to show you around. Moving forward, you will come across the Dhow Boatyard where boats are built and repaired. If you're interested in going on trips, there are many dhow owners who can arrange one-day fishing excursions in the Manda Channel. Snorkeling trips depend on the tides and the best spot for snorkeling is Manda Toto, which is a two to three-hour journey away by dhow. On Lamu island's southern shore lies a beautiful beach with 12 kilometers of pristine white sand that stretches along the sand dunes.

Although there is no reef, the beach has large waves. To get to the beach, you must walk southward through the town towards Shela, which usually takes about 45 minutes. If you prefer a less active option, dhows and motor boats regularly transport people to Shela. The beach at Shela extends into the distance and is rarely crowded. For easy access, the most convenient way to reach Lamu is by a one-hour flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airport or from nearby Mombasa or Malindi. All aircrafts land at Manda airstrip, and it is a 30-minute boat ride across the harbor from there to reach the main island.

To ensure availability, it is advisable to book buses to Lamu in advance as demand is high. The journey from Malindi usually takes about 5 to 6 hours. Accommodation on Lamu is relatively easy to find, but it's recommended to

make reservations for popular establishments several months ahead. Zanzibar, a stunning island with friendly locals according to Lonely Planet, forms part of Tanzania's Eastern African Republic. It comprises the islands of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean, located approximately 25-50 km off the mainland coast.

The Zanzibar archipelago is made up of two large islands and several smaller islands, such as Unguja (commonly known as "Zanzibar") and Pemba. Notable islands include Changuu (Prison Island), Bawi, Cahwani (Grave Island), Tumbatu, Mnemba, Chumbe, as well as the sandbanks of Nyange, Pange, and Murogo. The capital of Zanzibar is Zanzibar City which is located on Unguja Island. The historic center of Zanzibar City, called Stone Town, has been designated as a World Heritage Site. The name "Zanzibar" originates from the Persian term "zang," meaning "rust" or "black," combined with the word "bar," which means "land".

Zanzibar has had a significant impact on mainland Africa and the Indian Ocean islands, despite its small size. Throughout history, the Bantu, Egyptian, Arab, Portuguese, and British have all occupied and recognized the importance of this land. Positioned strategically off the East Coast of Africa, Zanzibar is a valuable asset for trade routes linking the continental interior with markets in Arabia, India, and other areas. Additionally, its abundant fresh water supply, fertile soils, and moderate climate contribute to its significance.