Country | Somalia |
Population | 2610483 |
Area | 127 km2 (49 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+3 (EAT) |
Coordinates | 2.03711, 45.34375 |
Highest elevation | None |
City Gallery
City Description
Mogadishu, the bustling capital of Somalia, stands as the country’s largest city with an estimated population of around 2.6 million people. Located in the Banaadir region on the Indian Ocean coast, Mogadishu has long been a key port city connecting traders across the Indian Ocean and a pivotal center in East Africa’s trade networks.
The city’s history is rich and varied. Founded as a major port and trading hub, Mogadishu was once the capital of the Sultanate of Mogadishu from the 9th to 13th centuries. This ancient city-state played a significant role in the Indian Ocean gold trade. During the 13th century, control shifted to the Ajuran Sultanate, which was a key player in the medieval Silk Road maritime trade. Mogadishu’s golden era of prosperity peaked in the 14th and 15th centuries when it was regarded as the wealthiest city on the East African coast, thriving on a bustling textile industry.
In the 17th century, the city and surrounding areas came under the influence of the Hiraab Imamate. By the 19th century, the influence of the Sultanate of the Geledi and local Abgal imams shaped the region’s political landscape. In 1894, Mogadishu entered a treaty of peace and protection with the Italian Commercial Company of Benadir, marking the beginning of a complex colonial history.
The Italian colonial rule over Mogadishu began in the 1880s and was formalized with treaties, followed by direct governance after 1906. After World War II, the city was briefly under British Military Administration before becoming part of the Trust Territory of Somaliland administered by Italy in the 1950s. Mogadishu gained independence in 1960, marking the beginning of the Somali Democratic Republic era under President Siad Barre from 1969 to 1991. The city then faced turmoil during the Somali Civil War, which lasted for three decades.
In recent years, Mogadishu has been undergoing reconstruction and development as Somalia works towards stability and growth. The city’s location on the Indian Ocean has always made it a vital maritime gateway, and today it continues to be central to Somalia’s economic and cultural landscape.
Mogadishu’s diverse history and strategic location have contributed to its status as a key economic and cultural hub in the region. With ongoing efforts towards rebuilding and development, the city remains a symbol of Somalia’s resilience and potential.
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