City Guide: Mogadishu

Somalia's most populous city Mogadishu, in addition to being the capital city, is also the largest city of the country in terms of area. The location, on the coast of the Indian Ocean, is also known by the name Benadir. Mogadishu is also a historical port with a history of more than a thousand years. The atmosphere which Persian and Arabic merchants brought into the city in the 10th century, formed a spectacular view; when combined with the colors of Africa. The oldest Arabic settlement on the eastern end of Continental Africa was started here. Mogadishu became prominent as a busy port city; especially after the 13th century.

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• Tourist Attractions

  The capital city Mogadishu is being protected by the African soldiers of the African Union peacekeeping force.  The port is the most yielding and mobile area of the city, which is in a state of destruction due to the civil war. The points of entrance and exit of the port are also controlled by the soldiers of the African Union peacekeeping force. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), together with other organizations, is working to provide urgent necessities such as shelter, food, and water; while also working to increase the donations made for the area.

  The city became a prominent center for the independence process when it came under the control of the Zanzibar Sultanate-which was under the rule of the Italian government- at the end of the 19th century. Mogadishu was selected to be the capital city when the Somali Republic was founded in 1960.

  The old part of the city starts just next to the pier and expands with narrow streets and houses that are painted in white. Not far from the shore, Arba-Racun Mosque should be included in the places you visit in the city. Also located close to the pier, the Mogadishu Cathedral built by the Italians can be another place you may want to visit. The beach area is a must-see with not only in and of itself; but also with the marketplaces located nearby. Hamarwein is a town you may want to visit, with its historical quality.

  The warehouses of the Turkish Red Crescent and other aid organizations are located at the port. The freight ships docking and unloading at the port presents an opportunity for the local people. The job of unloading the freight from the ships is performed by daily workers, whose daily wages vary between 10 and 15 dollars. 

  What is happening in Somalia in general remains to be one of the greatest human suffering that UNHCR has ever come face to face with. Following Afghanistan and Iraq, the largest number of refugees are located in Somalia.

  For a city located that close to the equator, Mogadishu has a very dry climate. A significant part of the area of the city is located on desert. There is no specific time of the year when rainfall is regularly observed and the biggest problem is the endless drought.

  Webiga Shabelle (Shabelle River), which springs from the center of Ethiopia and stretches toward Mogadishu, bends to the southwest right next to the city. The water of this river, which dries up during February and March, is used to cultivate the limited amount of agricultural produce such as bananas, cotton, and sugar canes.

   

• Culture & Entertainment

• Food & Drink

  Due to the fact that the traditional Somalian culture has a nomadic and hunter quality, red meat is quite important in daily life. You can often encounter outdoor butchers who are displaying and selling freshly cut meat, mostly of sheep, on street corners.

  Despite the wide coast line, most Somalians refrain from eating fish. The slow transition from the chaotic atmosphere -which dominates Mogadishu- to a calm one is observed. However, the city still needs to fix many problems such as infrastructure and roads.
  

• Shopping

  Bakara Marketplace is where commercial activity takes place in a very busy state. Due to the fact that an administration which can enforce commercial taxing has not been formed, the prices are quite low.

  Security is the most important thing to pay attention to especially while shopping, although it  is equally important in every activity. For this reason, guests with high potential to spend money are escorted by private security personnel with weapons, for a certain wage.

   

Ticket Sales Offices: Mogadishu

• Mogadishu: Airport Map Information

  Aden Abdulle İntl. Airport

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• Mogadishu: Airport Map Information