Mogadishu Lighthouse
 The ruins of the lighthouse prior to its partial collapse in 2023 | |
 | |
| Location | Old harbour, Mogadishu, Somalia |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 2°01′56.3″N 45°20′43.1″E / 2.032306°N 45.345306°E |
| Construction | Stone tower |
| Shape | Conical tower on an octagonal base |
| Heritage | Partially collapsed ruin; undergoing emergency consolidation |
| Light | |
| First lit | c. 1920s–1930s[1] |
| Deactivated | Early 1990s |
The Mogadishu Lighthouse, also known as the Al-Munaara, is an inactive lighthouse located in the old harbour of Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia. Built during the Italian colonial period, the lighthouse has long been a historical landmark of the city. After being severely damaged during the Somali Civil War, a significant portion of the structure collapsed in May 2023, prompting emergency conservation efforts to save the remaining tower.[2][3]
History
[edit]Construction and Operation
[edit]The lighthouse was built during the early 20th century, likely in the 1920s or 1930s, under the administration of Italian Somaliland. It served as a crucial navigational aid for ships entering the main port of Mogadishu, which was a key commercial hub in the Horn of Africa. The structure consisted of a tall stone tower with a lantern room and gallery at the top.
The lighthouse ceased operations in the early 1990s following the collapse of the central government and the outbreak of the Somali Civil War. During the intense fighting that engulfed the city, particularly the battles for control of the port, the lighthouse was heavily shelled and fell into disrepair. The lantern and the top section of the tower were destroyed, leaving only the main stone structure standing for decades.[4]
Partial Collapse
[edit]After years of neglect and exposure to the elements, a large portion of the lighthouse's seaward-facing wall collapsed into the Indian Ocean on May 10, 2023.[2] The collapse was attributed to the structural weaknesses caused by decades of war damage and erosion from the sea. The event was widely seen as a tragic loss for the city's cultural heritage.[5]
Architecture
[edit]The Mogadishu Lighthouse was constructed as a white, conical stone tower, rising from an octagonal base. Its architectural style is often described as a blend of traditional Somali and Italian influences, characteristic of the colonial-era buildings in the city. Despite the severe damage and partial collapse, its distinctive shape remains a prominent feature on the Mogadishu coastline.
Significance and Conservation
[edit]Today, the ruined lighthouse stands as a powerful symbol of Mogadishu's pre-war prosperity and a poignant reminder of the destruction caused by the civil war. It is one of the most iconic and frequently photographed landmarks in the city, representing both a sense of loss and a hope for revival.[6]
Following the 2023 collapse, international attention was drawn to the urgent need to preserve the remaining structure. The ALIPH Foundation, in partnership with the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies and local authorities, launched an emergency consolidation project. The project aims to stabilize the ruin, prevent further collapse, and conduct detailed documentation and a structural assessment to inform potential future restoration efforts.[3]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "In pictures: Mogadishu's historic landmarks". Al Jazeera. 22 January 2014. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Tragedy strikes as iconic lighthouse partially collapses in Mogadishu". Hiiraan Online. 10 May 2023. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
- ^ a b "Emergency consolidation of the Al-Munaara lighthouse". ALIPH Foundation. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
- ^ "Somalia's new life in ruins". BBC News. 19 June 2014. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
- ^ "Mogadishu's vanishing heritage shelters homeless, at a great price". The EastAfrican. 2023-06-21. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
- ^ "Illuminating the past: Mogadishu's lighthouse leads a heritage revival in Somalia". Archived from the original on 2025-06-03. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
External links
[edit]
- The Lighthouses of Somalia at ibiblio.org