The French were in control of Djibouti from the beginning of the 20th century until Djibouti’s independence in 1977. Many buildings from that era still stand in the Old City and are occupied by families and businesses.
A local set of piers where local fishing boats and recreational motorboats are moored. Nice place to walk along the water and check out local life in Djibouti.
The Al Saga Mosque in the Old City design is similar to a lighthouse high up in an area of low lying houses and shops.
Riyad Market offers fruit, veg, clothing, shoes, housewares etc. It’s a full service market for locals and a place for visitors to buy souvenirs.
The streets are full of life before the sun goes down. This picture was taken at the hours in between calls to prayer . Many residents sit in portable seats in front of their homes in the Old Town, and have a chat concerning the news of the day or daily gossip.
A gift from Turkey. I visited it and was not allowed to get closer than this without a headscarf. Strict rules apply here to non-muslims, More strict than mosques in Istanbul.
Traveling to Sudan isn’t easy, but very rewarding if you can hack it. The desert environment is harsh and the country itself is going through a very rough period. Politics aside, it’s a wonderful place to visit and there’s so much to see. Here’s a collection of what I experienced on my trip in early 2023.
A white donkey waits patiently in the sun by the entrance of the Kerma archeological site.
The Beehive tombs or Qubbas were established here during the Muslim occupation of Old Dongola up until the 17th century. Smaller burial mounds surround the tombs which seem to be from not so long ago.
The Nile is the most recognized waterway in Africa and maybe the world. Many ancient civilizations prospered along its shores and great Pyramids and temples from thousands of years ago still remain here today.
This design was a little unexpected here given we are in a very isolated place in Northern Sudan. It’s a lovely museum and the gateway to the ruins of the Ancient City of Kerma.
