Somalia is a small country with a population of about 10 million people, so the city of Mogadishu, which is the capital, will be the best choice for exploring the country. It is here that the traveler can contemplate unique architectural monuments, abandoned parks, in which there are many rare species of animals.
So let's get acquainted. The capital of Somalia is located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, at an altitude of nine meters above sea level. It is believed that this is the northernmost neighborhood of East Africa, where there is a very convenient natural bay. It is not known for certain, but, most likely, the word “Mogadishu” is of Persian or Arabic origin. This is due to the fact that in 900, Muslims living on the
Arabian Peninsula colonized the city. After a while, it became a major regional center, since it was located at the intersection of important trade routes. Almost the entire land of the country is barren, but the capital of Somalia and the
territory adjacent to it have soil suitable for various agricultural activities.
Since 1000, the volume of trade between cities has been increased, this contributed to the rapid economic development of the city. These data are confirmed by the coins of China, Sri Lanka, as well as Vietnam, which were found during archaeological excavations.
Five hundred years later, the capital of Somalia was under Portuguese control. After three hundred years, the sultan, who ruled the city, gave it to Italy, and in 1905 this country bought the city. During the Second World War, Great Britain occupied it in February 1941 and continued to rule Mogadishu until 1952. And only in 1960 did Somalia become an independent state, and Mogadishu became the country's main city. Today, Mogadishu is the only capital in the world where the UN, due to the lack of security guarantees, cannot provide
humanitarian assistance. Since 1991, Mogadishu - the center of an ongoing war and the most uncontrollable place in Africa. Therefore, a vacation in Somalia, in Mogadishu, can be quite dangerous.
Of course, the main historical periods are reflected in the sights that have survived to this day. An example is the Garez Palace, built in the 19th century by the Sultan of Zanzibar. Currently, there is a museum with rare exhibits that allow you to get acquainted with the local culture, and a library. The capital of Somalia has a National Palace and the residence of the president - modern buildings that attract the attention of visitors.
Architecture lovers will be interested in the narrow quarters of the city, which are represented by colorful houses made in the African-Arabic style. On the walls of some buildings there are still patterns of ancient times, and the courtyards are surrounded by numerous greenery, in the shade of which you can hide from the heat. Unfortunately, most houses are in dilapidated condition.
The Somali Peninsula has another attraction - the most uncontrolled market in East Africa - the Baccarat Market. Here you can buy everything except bananas, rice, and some other products. Fake documents, weapons, drugs on the trading floor in the public domain.