History of Antananarivo

The history of Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, is closely interwoven with the rise of the Kingdom of Imerina and represents a fascinating journey from a fortified settlement to the island's principal city.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city was founded in the first half of the 17th century, presumably around 1625. According to legends, the Merina king named Andrianjaka captured the Analamanga hill and built a fortified settlement (Rova) on its summit, which became the core of the future city. The name "Antananarivo" translates as "City of a Thousand Warriors" or "Thousand Villages", which, according to one version, symbolized the size of the garrison left to protect the new capital.

Key Factors of Development

Several key factors contributed to the rapid development of the city:

• Strategic location: The city was built atop a high rocky hill at an altitude of over 1,200 meters, which provided excellent natural protection and allowed control over the surrounding fertile plains.
• Political center: From the end of the 18th century, under the rule of King Andrianampoinimerina, Antananarivo became the capital of the unified Kingdom of Imerina, and later—the entire Malagasy Kingdom. This strengthened its status as the administrative and political heart of the island.
• Trade routes: Located in the central part of Madagascar, the city became an important hub at the intersection of trade routes connecting various regions of the island.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The early appearance of Antananarivo was shaped by its metropolitan status. The economy was based on agriculture, particularly on rice cultivation in terraced fields created on the hillsides. The city was also known for its skilled artisans who specialized in weaving, wood processing, and metalworking. At the center of life was the Royal Rova palace complex, serving not only as the residence of monarchs but also as the spiritual center of the kingdom.

Key Dates in the History of Antananarivo

The history of Antananarivo is a centuries-old chronicle of royal intrigues, colonial transformations, and the struggle for independence. From a humble fortress on a hill to a modern capital, the city has traveled a long and eventful path.

• Approx. 1625 — Foundation of the city by the Merina King Andrianjaka on Analamanga Hill and the construction of a fortified settlement (Rova).
• 1794 — Antananarivo becomes the capital of the unified Kingdom of Imerina under King Andrianampoinimerina, marking the beginning of its rise.
• 1825 — Queen Ranavalona I issues a decree banning the construction of stone buildings in the city, with the exception of the royal palace.
• 1863 — Assassination of King Radama II, who had repealed many of his mother's bans, leading to political instability and increased conflict with France.
• 1869 — Start of construction of a stone facade for the main palace in the Rova complex, symbolizing the modernization of the kingdom.
• 1883–1885 — The First Franco-Malagasy War, which strengthened French influence on the island.
• September 30, 1895 — French troops under the command of General Duchesne enter Antananarivo after a brief siege.
• 1896 — Madagascar is officially declared a French colony, and Antananarivo (renamed Tananarive) becomes its administrative center.
• February 27, 1897 — The last Queen of Madagascar, Ranavalona III, is sent into exile, marking the end of the Imerina monarchy.
• 1902 — The Malagasy Academy of Sciences, the oldest scientific institution in Africa, is founded.
• June 26, 1960 — Proclamation of Madagascar's independence from France, and Antananarivo once again becomes the capital of a sovereign state.
• 1975 — The city is returned its historical name, Antananarivo, replacing the colonial Tananarive.
• 1995 — A severe fire destroys most of the buildings in the Royal Rova palace complex, causing immense damage to cultural heritage.

Stages of Antananarivo's Development

The development of Antananarivo is the story of a royal citadel transforming into a modern metropolis. Key transformations in the economy, culture, and urban planning have shaped its appearance today.

• Becoming the Capital (Late 18th Century): After the unification of the Kingdom of Imerina under King Andrianampoinimerina, Antananarivo was proclaimed the capital. This marked the beginning of its centralized development as the island's main political and administrative center.
• European Influence and Construction Changes (19th Century): Contacts with Europeans, particularly missionaries and artisans, led to significant changes in architecture. New construction technologies using stone and brick were introduced, allowing for the erection of more durable buildings, including palaces and churches, which changed the city's appearance.
• Colonial Transformation (1896–1960): During the period of French rule, the city, renamed Tananarive, underwent massive redevelopment. New streets were laid, administrative buildings and schools were built, as well as a strategically important railway connecting the capital to the east coast. This turned Antananarivo into Madagascar's main economic and logistical hub.
• Creation of a Scientific Center (Early 20th Century): The founding of the Malagasy Academy of Sciences in 1902, the oldest scientific institution in Africa, secured the city's status as an intellectual center. Later, after independence, the University of Madagascar was opened (1961), further enhancing its role in education.
• Capital of an Independent State (Since 1960): With the proclamation of Madagascar's independence, Antananarivo regained its status as the capital of a sovereign state. This led to population growth, the expansion of administrative functions, and, in 1975, the return of the historical name instead of the colonial "Tananarive".
• Modern Development and Challenges (Late 20th – Early 21st Century): In the modern period, the city has faced rapid urbanization and population growth. Economic liberalization contributed to the emergence of new business districts, but also exacerbated problems such as transport congestion and housing shortages.
• Cultural Revival After Tragedy: The 1995 fire that destroyed the Royal Rova palace complex caused immense damage to national heritage. Subsequent efforts to restore this historical monument have become an important symbol of preserving the cultural identity of the city and the nation.

The architectural appearance of Antananarivo represents a unique blend of traditional Malagasy architecture, European styles, and colonial urban planning. The city, situated on hills, developed unevenly, creating its characteristic multi-level structure with narrow streets and staircases connecting different districts. Its development can be divided into several key eras.

Traditional Imerina Architecture

Until the 19th century, wood dominated construction. According to the decree of King Andrianampoinimerina, houses for the living were built from wood and plant materials, while stone and earth were intended exclusively for the construction of tombs—the dwellings of the ancestors. Traditional noble houses had a rectangular shape, a high steep roof, and a central support pillar (andry), which was considered sacred. The brightest example of this era was the original wooden palace complex of Rova on the summit of Analamanga Hill.

European Influence and the "Stone Revolution" (19th Century)

The situation changed with the arrival of European missionaries. In 1825, Queen Ranavalona I banned stone construction, but this ban was violated to strengthen and modernize royal power. French artisan Jean Laborde and Scottish missionary James Cameron played a key role in architectural transformations:

• Rova Palace (Manjakamiadana): The originally wooden palace was encased in stone walls in 1867 according to James Cameron's design, giving it the appearance of a British castle with elements of classicism.
• Andafiavaratra Palace: The residence of the Prime Minister, built in the Victorian style, is also a landmark building of this period.
• Noble Residences: In the Upper Town (Haute-Ville), two-story brick mansions with carved wooden balconies and verandas began to appear, combining local traditions with European elements.

French Colonial Period (1896–1960)

After the establishment of the French protectorate, Antananarivo (renamed Tananarive) underwent massive redevelopment. New administrative and commercial districts were created in the Lower Town (Basse-Ville) around Lake Anosy. This period is characterized by the appearance of buildings in Neoclassical and Art Deco styles, which shaped the look of central avenues. A landmark object of that era is the Soarano Railway Station (Gare de Soarano), built in the early 20th century and serving as a fine example of colonial architecture.

Modern Stage

After gaining independence in 1960, the city continued to grow. Modern administrative and office buildings made of concrete and glass appeared, especially in business districts. Today's Antananarivo is a city of contrasts, where historical brick mansions coexist with modern structures, and ancient staircases connect lively avenues with quiet residential quarters on the hillsides.

Notable Figures Associated with Antananarivo

The history of Antananarivo is closely interwoven with the lives of many distinguished figures—from monarchs and politicians to cultural icons who left their mark on the development of the city and the entire country.

• Andrianjaka (c. 1575–1630) — King of Imerina. Considered the founder of Antananarivo. In the early 17th century, he captured Analamanga Hill and built a fortified settlement (Rova) on it, which became the core of the future capital.
• Andrianampoinimerina (c. 1745–1810) — King of Imerina. A distinguished ruler who united the Merina people and made Antananarivo the capital of his kingdom in 1794. His reign laid the foundations for the future unified Madagascar.
• Ranavalona I (1778–1861) — Queen of Madagascar. Known as a strong ruler who pursued a policy of isolationism to protect Malagasy culture from European influence. Her reign was marked by the strengthening of royal power in Antananarivo.
• Rainilaiarivony (1828–1896) — Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Madagascar. Held the post of head of government for 31 years under three queens. He was a key figure in the country's modernization and diplomatic resistance to France's colonial ambitions. His former residence, the Andafiavaratra Palace, is one of the capital's landmarks.
• Jean-Joseph Rabearivelo (1901–1937) — Poet and writer. Born and lived in Antananarivo, he is considered the father of modern Malagasy literature. His work, written in Malagasy and French, became a bridge between African traditions and European modernism.
• Philibert Tsiranana (1912–1978) — Political leader. The first President of Madagascar after gaining independence in 1960. His activities were aimed at establishing the new state, with Antananarivo as its capital.
• Andry Rajoelina (born 1974) — Political and state figure. Served as Mayor of Antananarivo, and subsequently was elected President of Madagascar multiple times. His political career is closely linked to the capital.