MOMBASSA,Masailand,Kilimanjaro,Kenya,Africa

Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya. In Kiswahili it is called Kisiwa Cha Mvita, which means "Island of War", due to the many changes in its ownership. The city is located on Mombasa Island, which is separated from the mainland by two creeks; Tudor Creek and Kilindini Harbour. The town is mainly occupied by the Muslim Miji Kenda/Swahili people but over the centuries there have been many immigrants, particularly from the countries of the Middle East and Indian sub-continent who came mainly as traders and skilled craftsmen and even after four or five generation, their families continue to contribute highly to the economy of present day Mombasa and Kenya as a whole. Traditional dress for the Swahili women is a brightly coloured, printed cotton sheet called a kanga, which may have inspirational slogans printed on it, and type of black headdress and veil called a "bui bui". Men wear a type of sarong, which is coloured in bright bands, called a "kikoy". There are several places to visit in Mombasa, including Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese, and the Old Town, which is by now in bad need of repair but still shows plenty of examples of the old Islamic_architecture. Biashara Street in Mombasa which in Swahili means Trade Street is also an old part of the city where the Indian and Arab merchants set up shop and one can now find kangas and kikoys being sold. The city was founded by Arab traders in the 11th century and it quickly became the most important trading centre of East Africa mostly exporting ivory and slaves. Vasco da Gama was the first known European to visit Mombasa, receiving a chilly reception in 1498. Two years later the town was sacked by the Portuguese who built Fort Jesus. The town was taken over by the Sultanate of Oman in 1698. In 1840 it was taken by the sultan of Zanzibar who in 1898 presented the town to the British. It soon became the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate and is the sea terminal of the Uganda Railway, which was started in 1896. Many workers were brought in from British India to build the railway.

1890s Wood Engraving Antique Map

Approximate Overall Size: 7 X 10 1/2 inches

CONDITION: Book Plate INTEXT MAP - Excellent Condition. Beautiful with excellent detail. There is Text on Front and Back Side.