Djibouti City history

Djibouti City, the capital of the nation bearing the same name, possesses a relatively short but rich history. Its emergence on the world map in the late 19th century was dictated by its strategic position at the crossroads of global trade routes and the interests of European powers in the Horn of Africa region.

Foundation and Colonial Period

The history of the city began in 1888, when French authorities decided to establish an administrative centre on the Ras Djibouti promontory. This step was part of France's strategy to strengthen its influence in the region after acquiring lands from local sultans. In 1892, the colonial administration was moved here from the city of Obock, and in 1896, the colony received the official name French Somaliland, with Djibouti becoming its capital.

Key Growth Factors

The rapid development of the city was driven by several factors:

• Strategic Location: The city is situated on the coast of the Gulf of Aden at the entrance to the Red Sea, making it an ideal transit point on the maritime route from Europe to Asia, especially after the opening of the Suez Canal.
• Port and Railway Construction: The founding of the city coincided with the beginning of the construction of a major seaport. A key event was the construction of the railway connecting Djibouti with the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. Completed in 1917, this line transformed the Port of Djibouti into the main maritime gateway for Ethiopia, handling the bulk of its foreign trade.
• Capital Status: Becoming the centre of the French colony, the city concentrated administrative, military, and economic functions, which contributed to its growth and population influx.

Formation of a Multicultural Character

From the very beginning, Djibouti City was formed as a multinational centre. Indigenous peoples—the Afars and Issas—lived here side by side with Arabs, Ethiopians, and Europeans, predominantly French. The city's economy was almost entirely focused on serving the port: loading and unloading operations, ship refuelling, and related services. Agriculture was poorly developed due to the arid climate, making the city dependent on maritime trade and food imports.

Key Dates in the History of Djibouti City

The history of Djibouti City, though not spanning centuries, is packed with significant events that defined its strategic role in the Horn of Africa. Below is a chronology of key moments reflecting the journey from a colonial port to the capital of an independent state.

• 1888 — French colonial administrator Léonce Lagarde officially founds the city and port of Djibouti.
• 1892 — Djibouti becomes the administrative centre of the French Somaliland colony, replacing the city of Obock in this status.
• 1897 — Construction begins on the legendary railway intended to connect the port of Djibouti with the capital of Ethiopia.
• 1917 — Construction is completed and traffic opens on the railway to Addis Ababa, turning Djibouti into the main maritime gateway for Ethiopia.
• 1949 — The Port of Djibouti receives free port status (porto-franco), which significantly stimulates its economic development.
• 1967 — Following a referendum, the colony receives expanded autonomy and is renamed the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas, with Djibouti City remaining its capital.
• 1977 — On June 27, the country gains independence and becomes the Republic of Djibouti, with Djibouti City as its official capital.
• 1991–2000 — The city becomes the centre of political life during the civil war in the country, which ended with the signing of a peace agreement.
• 2017 — The official opening of the new electrified standard-gauge railway takes place, connecting Djibouti and Addis Ababa and replacing the old line.

Major Milestones in the Development of Djibouti City

The development of Djibouti City is inextricably linked to its strategic position at the crossroads of maritime routes. Each stage of its history added new functions, transforming the former colonial port into a modern logistics, trade, and military hub of East Africa.

• Construction of the Port and Railway (1888–1917): The founding of the city was dictated by the need to create a deep-water port. A key impulse for growth was the construction of the railway connecting Djibouti with the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. This turned the city into the main maritime gateway for a vast landlocked country, defining its economic specialization for decades to come.
• Obtaining Free Port Status (1949): Granting the status of porto-franco (free port) significantly strengthened the city's economic position. This move attracted international trade and shipping companies, stimulating transit operations and the re-export of goods.
• Gaining Capital Status (1977): With the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Djibouti, the city became its political and administrative centre. Government institutions, foreign embassies, and international organizations were established here, raising its significance on the world stage.
• Hosting Foreign Military Bases (since late 20th century): Thanks to stability in a turbulent region, Djibouti City became the location for military bases of several world powers, including France, the USA, China, and Japan. This not only strengthened the city's international status but also became an important source of revenue for the national economy.
• Creation of Modern Port Terminals and Free Trade Zones (early 21st century): Within the framework of the "Vision 2035" strategy, a large-scale modernization of infrastructure began. The modern multi-purpose Doraleh Port was built, as well as the Djibouti International Free Trade Zone (DIFTZ), launched in 2018. These projects transformed the city into one of Africa's most modern logistics hubs.
• Launch of the New Electrified Railway (2017–2018): The opening of the new standard-gauge railway main line to Addis Ababa replaced the outdated colonial line. This allowed for a significant increase in the speed and volume of cargo transportation, strengthening economic ties with Ethiopia and confirming Djibouti's role as a key transit node.
• Redevelopment of the Historical Port (from 2020): A project has been launched to transform the old port into a new business district, the East Africa International Special Business Zone. The plan includes the construction of exhibition centres, hotels, and offices, symbolizing the transition from purely port activities to the development of the service sector and business tourism.

The architecture of Djibouti City is a visual reflection of its young but eventful history. Unlike ancient cities, you will not find Gothic or Renaissance styles here. The urban appearance of the capital was formed in three key stages: the colonial period with its eclectic styles, early post-colonial development, and the modern stage with ambitious futuristic projects.

Colonial Period: French and Moorish Heritage (Late 19th – Mid 20th Century)

Founded in 1888 by the French, the city was initially built in a characteristic colonial style adapted to the hot climate. The historical centre, known as the European Quarter, still preserves this heritage.

• Architectural Styles: The foundation lies in French colonial architecture, which in Djibouti is closely intertwined with Neo-Moorish (Arab) motifs. Buildings of this period are characterized by arched galleries on the ground floors creating shade, whitewashed walls, spacious verandas, and decorative elements inspired by Arabic script.
• Materials: One of the unique features of the old buildings is the use of construction blocks cut from local coral, giving the buildings a special textured appearance.
• Iconic Buildings:
  • Presidential Palace: A striking example of colonial administrative architecture with Moorish influence.
  • Hamoudi Mosque: Built in 1906, this oldest mosque in the city is an important spiritual centre and an architectural monument of the era.
  • Central Market (Marché Central): The heart of the old city, surrounded by buildings with arcades reflecting the commercial spirit of the port centre.

Modern Stage: Modernism and New Ambitions (Late 20th – 21st Century)

After gaining independence in 1977, and especially in recent decades, a construction boom began in the city. It is linked to the strategy of developing Djibouti as a major logistics and business hub of East Africa. The architecture of this period reflects globalization and a striving towards the future.

• Architectural Styles: From the functional modernism of the 20th century, the city is moving towards contemporary and futuristic architecture, characterized by glass, steel, and concrete, as well as bold, symbolic forms.
• Urban Development: Development is proceeding within the framework of the national project "Vision 2035", which includes the creation of new business districts, free trade zones, and residential complexes.
• Iconic Projects:
  • Djibouti Towers: An ambitious skyscraper complex project which, upon completion, could become the tallest in Africa. Its design is deeply symbolic: the towers are shaped like elements of the national emblem—a spear, a shield, and traditional daggers.
  • Djibouti International Free Trade Zone (DIFTZ): A massive modern complex including office buildings, warehouses, and exhibition centres, demonstrating the city's status as a key trading node.
  • New Urban Districts: Modern residential and commercial quarters are being actively built, such as the "Djibouti New City" project, offering quality housing and developed infrastructure.

Notable Figures Associated with Djibouti City

Despite its relatively short history, Djibouti City has become the birthplace and centre of activity for a number of prominent figures in politics, culture, and sports, whose influence has reached far beyond the country's borders.

• Hassan Gouled Aptidon (1916–2006) — Politician, the first President of the independent Republic of Djibouti. He was a key figure in the movement for the country's independence from France and led the state from 1977 to 1999. His rule laid the foundations of modern Djiboutian statehood.
• Ismaïl Omar Guelleh (born 1947) — Politician, the second and current President of Djibouti. Nephew and successor to Hassan Gouled Aptidon, he has led the country since 1999. His policy is aimed at transforming Djibouti into a major regional logistics and trade hub.
• Abdourahman Waberi (born 1965) — One of Djibouti's most famous writers. Born in Djibouti City, he gained recognition on the international stage thanks to his novels and short story collections written in French. His works, translated into many languages, often explore themes of exile, identity, and the consequences of colonialism.
• Aïcha Mohamed Robleh (born 1965) — Playwright, politician, and activist. She is known as the founder of a theatre troupe and author of plays raising important social issues, particularly the status of women. She subsequently served as the Minister for Women, Family and Social Affairs.
• Aden Robleh Awaleh (1941–2014) — Prominent politician and opposition leader. He was one of the key figures in the struggle for independence and the founder of the National Democratic Party (PND). Awaleh played a significant role in the country's political life both before and after independence.
• Mumin Gala (born 1986) — Athlete, long-distance runner. He represented Djibouti at two Summer Olympic Games (2012 and 2016), becoming one of the country's most famous athletes on the world stage.