Great examples of Somali architecture: citadels and castles/forts continued to be constructed well into the 19th century. The city of Bardera may have practiced a medieval form of gun control, in which merchants and travellers were stripped of their weaponry before being allowed entry past the city gates. Republicans would not have liked Bardera!
Heritage of Somalia: overlaps with the previous link but many unique pictures shown as well, different images of the fortress of Gondershe, as well as a drawing of what old mogadishu looked like back in the day. http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1435768
Somali fortifications:again, overlaps, but still a few gems to look at!
Somali lighthouses: being a maritime people, the construction of lighthouses was necessary along the Somali coast. These were erected by Somali masons and architects. An old portuguese light house is seen off the coast of Barawe, a city sacked by a Portuguese army in the 16th century. The lighthouse serves as a concrete reminder of that great battle and a mark that the Portuguese left on Somalia.
Old pictures of Mogadishu: then and now. These pictures really helped me understand why my parents loved Mogadishu, the contrast is just incredible. It might leave you a little shaken though. All people should mourn the degradation of a once great port city, Somali or Ethiopian, black, purple or white,etc:
Interesting fact, Somalia has 1800km of coastline, the longest in Africa.
Interesting fact: Somalia has more camels than people, and the horn of Africa has the largest concentration of camels in the world. Enjoy the picture of a troop of camels walking past a mosque. People say they're ugly animals but I think they're adorable. The younger ones are really cute.
Down memory lane in Somalia, interesting pics here! Somalia's modern navy included.
I read somewhere that Somalia had the largest merchant fleet in the Muslim world pre-war, not sure if that's true, but they're probably up there!
There's even a drawing in which the old city walls are still visible(most likely teared down for building materials)
Merca: an enhanced look at Barawe's twin sister city. web page
The whitewashed coral buildings are so distinctive, I'd recognize the architecture anywhere.
I would love to post pictures of Qandala, the castle-town, apparently some of them are still standing, but have suffered from erosion. The African continent can be unforgiving at times.
Definitely on the top of my list though, visiting Qandala, although I hope I'm not disappointed. I recall Europeans visiting Timbuktu in the 19th century coming across a city that was long past its prime and being bitterly disappointed.
Probably the best source for pictures and information on Somalia, the board is frequented by Somali expats who have routinely traveled across Somalia, and they bring back great pictures.
Posts: 74 | From: Kanata | Registered: Oct 2013
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Thanks for posting. Not much is known about Somali history to non Somali's.
Posts: 1135 | From: Top secret | Registered: Jun 2012
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