A small island (6,8l4sq.km) off the coast of Kenya in the Indian Ocean is home to one of the last places in the world that still has an affluent Swahili culture.
Swahili dates back to as early as the 9th century when Arab traders came to the Africa, settling along the Indian Ocean in the countries of Somalia and Mozambique. Intermarriage and the introduction of Islam produced the new culture, called Swahili, named after the Arabic word sahil for coast.
One of the port towns the Arab traders started was Lamu in the 14th century. Lamu was an important trade center until 1506 when Portuguese traders captured Lamu in their efforts to increase trade to the Orient. Lamu’s importance as a trade center stayed diminished until 1698, when the Portuguese were forced off the island thanks to help by the Omani (Turks). The Omani helped rebuild Lamu to its greatness, both as a city and as a trade center. Lamu enjoyed a period of prosperity until the Europeans once again took an interest in Lamu.
In 1895, the British took control of Lamu as part of their effort to colonize Africa. Although the British did banish slavery from the island, it hurt the agriculture industry immensely. This, along with the completion of a railroad from Lake Victoria to Mosomba, making Mosomba the principal seaport, left Lamu desolate and in an economic depression. The desertion of the island allowed for the preservation of the old Swahili structures that historians have an interest in today.
Government jobs, mangrove exports, and a mahogany family wood that is popular in furniture, has helped revitalize the economy since the early 1960's. Also, since the early 1970's tourism has helped revitalize Lamu’s economy. Unfortunately, the revitalized economy and tourism have led to environmental troubles and development that is leading to the destruction of many of the old, historic sites on Lamu. In 1986, a commission was formed to save the historic site of Lamu from any further destruction.
Written by: Michael Groenewold
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