XIXᵉ siècle – XXᵉ siècle
Zanzibar and the Benadir coast
Traduction non disponible · Original (anglais) · français indisponible
The Sultanate of Zanzibar exercised nominal or intermittent authority over parts of the Benadir coast during the nineteenth century. Its influence was mediated through seasonal customs officials and representatives, including one stationed at Brava, and was constrained by autonomous ports and the power of the Geledi rulers in Mogadishu’s hinterland.
Poursuivre l’exploration
Le récit
The Sultanate of Zanzibar formed part of the political framework governing the Benadir coast during the nineteenth century. Its representative resided at Brava, while Zanzibar’s customs officials and authority moved with the monsoons. This arrangement produced a form of coastal suzerainty whose practical reach varied according to season and local circumstances.
Zanzibar’s authority was especially limited at Mogadishu, where the port remained practically autonomous. The city’s hinterland was controlled by the Geledi clan, and the sultans of Zanzibar had to respect the authority of Geledi rulers. Political power in the Benadir consequently rested on an unstable equilibrium between coastal claims and inland alliances.
The limits of Zanzibar’s authority were made explicit in 1870. When the sultan sought to construct a fort in Mogadishu, he required the approval of Sultan Ahmed Yusuf of the Geledi. The episode shows that Zanzibar could exercise influence without possessing unrestricted power over the ports and their surrounding territories.
XIXᵉ siècle – XXᵉ siècle
Zanzibar and the Benadir coast
Traduction non disponible · Original (anglais) · français indisponible
The Sultanate of Zanzibar exercised nominal or intermittent authority over parts of the Benadir coast during the nineteenth century. Its influence was mediated through seasonal customs officials and representatives, including one stationed at Brava, and was constrained by autonomous ports and the power of the Geledi rulers in Mogadishu’s hinterland.
Poursuivre l’exploration
Le récit
The Sultanate of Zanzibar formed part of the political framework governing the Benadir coast during the nineteenth century. Its representative resided at Brava, while Zanzibar’s customs officials and authority moved with the monsoons. This arrangement produced a form of coastal suzerainty whose practical reach varied according to season and local circumstances.
Zanzibar’s authority was especially limited at Mogadishu, where the port remained practically autonomous. The city’s hinterland was controlled by the Geledi clan, and the sultans of Zanzibar had to respect the authority of Geledi rulers. Political power in the Benadir consequently rested on an unstable equilibrium between coastal claims and inland alliances.
The limits of Zanzibar’s authority were made explicit in 1870. When the sultan sought to construct a fort in Mogadishu, he required the approval of Sultan Ahmed Yusuf of the Geledi. The episode shows that Zanzibar could exercise influence without possessing unrestricted power over the ports and their surrounding territories.
Continuer le voyage
D’autres chemins liés à cette histoire.