Port of Mogadishu
This is the biggest port in Mogadishu and it is one of the main reasons that the city became popular in the 1800s. But the history of the port was much deeper than that, the port can date back to the Midevil time period and had an influence on the Silk Road. It wasn't until the Italians took reign in the late 19th century that the port was revamped and utilized to its maximum potential as the key trading port along the east coast of Africa. Creating a successful trading port was critical in boosting the economy and wealth of the city, thus having a direct impact on the population of people that skyrocketed during the 20th century.According to reports the Port is actually been closed for quite some time due to the growing concern with the internal Civil Wars that are still going on in the city. There is a constant battle being fought among the groups for control over the ports and this is one of the main reasons that the government closed the ports from importing and exporting goods. The government also told shipping companies and other countries to send their goods to other places along the coast. Unfortunately, this is a common theme in Mogadishu, and with little support and infrastructure, the city continues to fall deeper and deeper into war. “Istanbul Conference on Somalia.” Somalitalk, 2010. http://www.somalitalk.com/2010/may/istambul/transport.pdf. “Port of Mogadishu.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, November 23, 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Mogadishu. “Port Strategy: Holidays in Mogadishu.” Port Strategy. Insight for marine technology professionals. Accessed December 5, 2020. https://www.portstrategy.com/news101/insight-and-opinion/the-strategist/holidays-in-mogadishu. Picture 1 - “Gruden: 80 Years of History.” Accessed December 5, 2020. http://www.archimedegruden.us/history/. Picture 2 - CLINTON FOREIGN POLICY FAILURE PAGE. Accessed December 5, 2020. https://www.oocities.org/capitolhill/8514/.
Mogadishu Catherdral
This is the first stop on our walking tour. This gigantic cathedral was built in 1928 by the Italians and served as the seat for the Roman Catholic Dioceses. This building became a focal point for outsiders and people coming to "Mogadiscio" as the Italians called it. The design follows the Norman Gothic style and the building itself was a model of the Cathedral of Cefalu in Sicily. Unfortunately, as you can see in the pictures, the cathedral was destroyed in the late 2000s by al-Shababa during the Civil Wars that are still prominent today. This picture was taken in 2014 and it shows what's left of the Cathedral. It used to be a beautifully handcrafted structure that was an obvious focal point of the city. This picture shows the damage that the Civil Wars have caused not only to the people but to places like these that have so much history behind them. It is the sad truth of how dangerous and powerful these extremist groups are that are running the country of Somalia. Kester, Boris. “Around the World in 80 Clicks,” 2014. http://www.traveladventures.org/continents/africa/mogadishu-cathedral10.html. “Mogadishu Cathedral,” November 1, 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mogadishu_Cathedral. “Mogadishu Cathedral.” Accessed December 5, 2020. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294440-d8318583-Reviews-Mogadishu_Cathedral-Mogadishu.html.
National Museum of Somalia
The National Museum of Somalia is the next stopping place on this tour. The building was originally made in the last 19th century for the Governor of Mogadishu as a headquarters and home. In 1937 the Italians rebuilt it to be a Museum and it became a focal point to the Italian Modadisco. Because of the new construction, the Museum has a ton of Italian heritage and architecture within its walls, literally. However, during WWII the museum was extremely damaged and was shut down until the 1980s. The Museum today serves as a reminder of the true past of Mogadishu. There are many artifacts and memorials to the Italians and British colonial powers that ruled the land throughout the 20th century. There are also many different exhibits that discuss and show the conflict and war that has been prominent since WWII. In 2014 the Museum became a National Museum and is one of the top tourist attractions for the city. “National Museum of Somalia.” Accessed December 9, 2020. https://www.hellotravel.com/somalia/national-museum-of-somalia. “National Museum of Somalia.” Mapio.net. Accessed December 9, 2020. https://mapio.net/wiki/Q2033310-en/. “National Museum of Somalia.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, August 19, 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Museum_of_Somalia.
Villa Mogadishu
This building was created by the Italians to serve as an artistic building that also had advantages in location. The building was built in 1936 atop a large hill in Mogadishu. From the well built and artistic windows, a person can overlook both the Port of Mogadishu and the local airport. The building's use was for glamour, but could also have been used for its use as a headquarters for the Italian Somaliland because of its advantages over the land. After WWII, the building became the home of the President of Somalia and in 1960, the President laid down his head to rest for the first time in the building. Fast forward 60 years and astonishingly the building serves the same purpose as it did in the beginning. Now a government building, the President uses it as sort of the "White House" ideas. Tourists also come to acknowledge the beautifully built structure with many high arcs and tiled roof. The President of Mogadishu now lives in this beautiful place and tries to run the city as best he can. Unfortunately, as said at previous stops, the city is under so much turmoil that the security of the leader is always a question and this prevents people from touring the historic site.Brons, M. H. (2001). Society, security, sovereignty, and the state in Somalia: from statelessness to statelessness?. s.n. “Villa Somalia.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, November 25, 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Somalia. Fergusson, James. The World's Most Dangerous Place. Boston: Da Capo Press, 2013.
Mogadishu Stadium
The Mogadishu stadium was built under the Barre regime and served as a gathering place for sports fans and music fans. The stadium was constructed for futbol and basketball games to be played at and in 1987 the stadium was used for a concert. Magool, a famous African singer held a concert at this stadium and was considered one of the largest musical events in its time. During the '90s, the stadium was overcome by the militants and was used as a base for the men and weapons. It wasn't until the mid-2000's that the stadium was reopened for its original purpose.During the wars in 2010, the stadium was set to get astroturf however it was yet again captured and was held by the militia groups that were terrorizing the city. Once recaptured, the stadium received its renovations and today the stadium is aesthetically pleasing to look at. It recently has had several renovations including an all astroturf field, and this too was paid for by the Chinese government in the plan to rebuild Somalia.“Somali Football Stadium: African Union Agrees to Leave.” BBC News. BBC, October 19, 2012. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-20005600?print=true. “Mogadishu Stadium.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, November 18, 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mogadishu_Stadium. “19th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (Mech) in Mogadishu Rescues American Rangers on the 3rd October 1993.” 7th Rangers. Accessed December 10, 2020. https://www.7rangers.com/2007/11/19th-royal-malay-regiment-in-mogadishu.html.
Mosque of Islamic Solidarity
This Mosque is unique to Somalia and what better location than overlooking the sea. This Mosque was built in 1987 and was a significant feature in the city. During the 1990s, the civil wars were destroying the city and the Mosque was closed in an attempt to keep it from being destroyed. The mosque suffered minor damages throughout the years but was kept closed until the mid-2000s.In 2013 the Mosque was rebuilt and funded through a Turkish organization. The Mosque is now newly renovated and is a focal point in the community. The Mosque is also the largest majid in the the Horn of Africa and can house up to 10,000 worshipers. This is the first part of the tour that is not being actively torn apart from the ongoing wars. “Mosque of Islamic Solidarity.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, December 1, 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosque_of_Islamic_Solidarity. Lewis, I. M. “Recycling Somalia from the Scrap Merchants of Mogadishu.” Northeast African Studies. Michigan State University Press, April 8, 2009. https://muse.jhu.edu/article/262485/summary. “Mosque of Islamic Solidarity:” Alluring World, July 12, 2017. http://www.alluringworld.com/mosque-of-islamic-solidarity/.
Black Hawk Down
In 1993, Mogadishu was in a serious war within its own walls as they fought terrorist groups that were ravishing the city. The government had zero control, and with a struggling military they reached out to the U.S. for help. Post-WWII and Cold War, the US was super hesitant to offer any aid in a problem that wasn't there's. Until Mogadishu offered the use of the port in the city and the US jumped on the chance. They deployed a couple of ranger units to carry out a "simple" mission that would involve picking up a couple of lieutenants after a meeting. Two US Black Hawk helicopters were shot down and the day(s) was known as the Battle of Mogadishu.The history of this tragedy and the horrific day is a reminder to the US of the dangers in Africa. The idea that advanced technology and superior weapons will result in an easy victory is foolish as this is a prime example of the war on foreign territory. After this battle, and 9/11 the war on terror has been the focal point for the American people. The problem is, the citizens of Mogadishu face these problems daily, and nobody is willing to risk their men and reputation to help.Dawson, Ashley. “New World Disorder: Black Hawk Down and the Eclipse of U.S. Military Humanitarianism in Africa: African Studies Review.” Cambridge Core. Cambridge University Press, October 18, 2013. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/african-studies-review/article/abs/new-world-disorder-black-hawk-down-and-the-eclipse-of-us-military-humanitarianism-in-africa/08DA94F4F2794C37436B7C901CD3DDD1. “Battle of Mogadishu (1993).” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, December 7, 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mogadishu_(1993). Dotson, Philip B. “The Successes and Failures of the Battle of Mogadishu and Its Effects on U.S. Foreign Policy.” DigitalCommons, Cedarville. Accessed December 10, 2020. https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/channels/vol1/iss1/3/. History.com Editors. “The True Story of Blackhawk Down.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, May 30, 2012. https://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/the-true-story-of-blackhawk-down-video.
Airport of Mogadishu
This Airport may not seem like much to the people who use it every day, but the history is deep. This airport was built by the Italians in 1928 and was the first airport in the "Horn of Africa." It was called the Petrella-Mogadiscio Aeroporto and served as the military base for Mogadiscio. However, in the 1930's it was opened to the public and commercial flights began with planes carrying up to 18 people at a time, which was also a new record for Africa. This is proof yet again, of a significant structure that was built by the Italians and still makes an impact in today's society. According to Mary Harper, an African writer for the BBC World Service, the airport runs rather differently today. When tourists land at the airport, they are met by unfamiliar faces and many armed white men. There are unmarked planes flying and landing in military structures that are enclosed by barbed wire and more armed guards. Mary describes people leaving the airport as a "gauntlet" of tasks and rude and stern men. This is all due to the uncertainty of the city of Mogadishu and the safety of both the people and the state. “Aden Adde International Airport,” December 6, 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aden_Adde_International_Airport. Harper, Mary. “Somalia: Whose Country Is It, Anyway?” HeinOnline, 2013. https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals%2Fforwa37. Higbee, Faye, By, and Faye Higbee. “Somalia - Drone Strikes ISIS, US Mission Staffers Ordered to Leave.” Uncle Sam's Misguided Children, November 5, 2017. https://www.unclesamsmisguidedchildren.com/somalia-drone-strikes-isis-us-mission-staffers-ordered-leave/.
National Theatre of Somalia
This is a unique stop on our trip around Mogadishu. The National Theatre of Somalia was built in 1967 and was extremely beneficial for the culture of Somalia. Interestingly enough, the theatre was built by the Chinese as a present from Mao Zedong. The Barre reign used the theatre to push the socialist ideas that he was enforcing. Much like the rest, following the theme, the theatre was closed during the onslaught of wars in the '90s and was one of the first places to be destroyed because of its history.Now in today's society, the theatre is booming. In 2013 the museum was rebuilt again by a Chinese investment company. This was through a five-year deal that would involve a chance to rebuild the city through China's aid. The theatre is now a stomping ground for many different shows and movies, one of them being a hit show called, Somali-Idol. Much like American Idol, the Somali version features a music singing competition that is held at the theatre. However, in 2014 the theatre fell to a suicide bomber that ruined the anniversary of the show and killed 10 people.Gettleman, Jeffrey. “A Taste of Hope in Somalia's Battered Capital.” The New York Times. The New York Times, April 3, 2012. https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/04/world/africa/somalis-embrace-hope-and-reconstruction-in-mogadishu.html?pagewanted=1. Somalia: Singing in Mogadishu. Accessed December 10, 2020. https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2013/July/30256/somalia_singing_in_mogadishu.aspx. Person, and The Associated Press. “Bombing at Somalia's National Theatre Kills 10.” CTVNews. CTV News, April 4, 2012. https://www.ctvnews.ca/bombing-at-somalia-s-national-theatre-kills-10-1.791981. Mwangi, Nyawira. “Somalia Reopens National Theatre Eight Years after Bombing.” CGTN Africa, July 2, 2020. https://africa.cgtn.com/2020/07/02/eight-years-after-bombing-somalia-reopens-national-theatre/.
