Lamu, Kenya's
oldest living
town, was one of
the original
Swahili
settlements
along coastal
East Africa.
The town was
founded in the
14th century and
it contains
 many
fine examples of
Swahili
architecture.
The old city is
inscribed on the
World Heritage
List as "the
oldest and
best-preserved
Swahili
settlement in
East Africa".
Once a center
for the slave
trade, the
population of
Lamu is
ethnically
diverse. Lamu
was on the main
Arabian trading
routes, and as a
result, the
population is
largely Muslim.
Due to the
narrowness of
the streets,
automobiles are
not allowed -
the city is
easily explored
by foot,
bicycle, or, as
many locals
favour, donkey.
There are
several museums,
including the
Lamu Museum,
home to the
island's
ceremonial horn
(called siwa);
other museums
are dedicated to
Swahili culture
and to the local
postal service.
Notable
buildings in
Lamu town
include:
The town's
history is
marked by
Portuguese
invasion
beginning in
1506, and later
the Omani
domination
around 1813. The
Portuguese
invasion was
prompted by the
nation's
successful
mission to
control trade
along the coast
of the Indian
Ocean. For
considerable
time, Portugal
had a monopoly
in shipping
along the East
African coast
and imposed
export taxes on
the pre-existing
local channels
of commerce.
Attraction
in Lamu town
include;
the Lamu Fort
exhibiting
swahili culture,
Mnarani Mosque ,
Riyadha Mosque:
is one of
the most
prestigious
centers for
Islamic Studies
in East Africa.
The Mosque is
the centre for
the Maulidi
Festival, which
are held every
year during the
last week of the
month of the Prophet´s birth.
During this
festival
pilgrims from
Sudan, Congo,
Uganda, Zanzibar
and Tanzania
join the locals
to sing the
praise of
Mohammad.
Donkey
Sanctuary: Since
the island has
no motorised
vehicles,
transportation
and other heavy
work is done
with the help of
donkeys.
Donkey Sanctuary
the Sanctuary
was opened in
1987 to provide
health services
to some
2000-3000
working donkeys
on the island. The
Sanctuary
through the
services of Dr. Elisabeth Svendsen provides
treatment to all
donkeys free of
charge.
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