History of Nosy Be

Foundation and Historical Milestones

The history of Nosy Be (translated from Malagasy as "Big Island") is rooted in deep antiquity, when these lands were inhabited by the Antankarana and Sakalava peoples. However, the region began to take shape as a significant administrative and trading centre in the first half of the 19th century.

A key moment in the history of the foundation of the island's main city, Hell-Ville (now Andoany), was the arrival of the Sakalava Queen Tsiomeko, who sought refuge from the expansion of the Merina Kingdom. In 1841, a treaty was signed placing the island under a French protectorate. This event occurred long before the colonisation of the main part of Madagascar, which defined the special status of Nosy Be.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of the island into a prosperous hub was driven by several reasons:

• Geography and Navigation: Deep-water bays and natural protection from storms made the coast an ideal location for establishing a port and anchorage for merchant vessels.
• Political Security: The protectorate status provided protection from inter-tribal conflicts raging on the "mainland," which attracted traders from India and Arab nations to the island.
• Trade Routes: The island became a vital transit point on the maritime routes of the western Indian Ocean.

Early Economy and Culture

The economic foundation of Nosy Be was laid through intensive agriculture. Initially, plantations of sugar cane, coffee, and vanilla were developed here. However, the true symbol of the island became the culture of ylang-ylang, introduced by missionaries. The production of valuable essential oils quickly became the basis of exports, earning Nosy Be its famous nickname — the "Perfume Island".

The cultural landscape was formed as a mosaic of traditions: the customs of the indigenous Sakalava people harmoniously intertwined with elements of French colonial architecture and the influence of Indian traders, which is still noticeable on the streets of the old town.

Major Milestones in the History of Nosy Be

• Early 19th Century — The island becomes a refuge for the Sakalava people and their Queen Tsiomeko, fleeing the expansion of the Merina Kingdom from the central highlands.
• 1841 — Signing of the treaty placing Nosy Be under French protectorate, occurring 55 years before the colonisation of the rest of Madagascar.
• 1850s — Active development of the infrastructure of Hell-Ville (modern Andoany), becoming the administrative and commercial centre of the archipelago.
• Late 19th Century — Establishment of large sugar cane plantations, which became the backbone of the island's economy during that period.
• 1896 — Nosy Be is officially included in the French colony of Madagascar following the annexation of the entire island by France.
• 1904–1905 — The Second Pacific Squadron of the Russian Navy, under the command of Admiral Rozhestvensky, was based in the island's bay for several months before deploying to the Far East.
• 1920s — Beginning of mass cultivation of ylang-ylang, earning the island its famous nickname "Perfume Island".
• 1942 — During World War II, British troops landed on the island as part of an operation to prevent Japanese influence in the region.
• 1960 — Proclamation of Madagascar's independence, after which Nosy Be became part of the new sovereign republic.
• 1970s — Start of the development of the hospitality industry and the opening of the first major hotels for international tourists.
• 2014 — Fascene Airport received international status, significantly simplifying access to the island for travellers.

Stages of Urban and Economic Development

The development of Nosy Be and its main city, Andoany (Hell-Ville), is inextricably linked to the changing role of the island in the region — from a strategic military outpost to a global centre for perfume raw materials and tourism. Below are the key milestones that defined the modern appearance of this territory.

• Creation of the Colonial Administrative Centre (1841)
  After the establishment of the French protectorate, the planned construction of Hell-Ville began.
  Significance: The emergence of a regular street network, a port, and administrative buildings in the colonial style, which still form the architectural look of the historic centre.
• Industrialisation of the Sugar Sector (Second half of the 19th Century)
  During this period, large sugar cane plantations were founded on the island, and processing factories were built.
  Significance: The first powerful economic upswing, leading to the development of road infrastructure and an influx of labour from other regions and countries.
• Stay of the Russian Squadron (1904–1905)
  The anchorage of Admiral Rozhestvensky's Russian fleet became an important historical episode.
  Significance: A brief but significant influx of capital due to the provisioning of thousands of sailors, as well as the formation of unique cultural heritage (a Russian cemetery and monument) that attracts historians and tourists.
• "Aromatic" Economic Revolution (1920s)
  Introduction of ylang-ylang culture and the construction of distilleries for the production of essential oils.
  Significance: A complete shift in the economic vector following the decline of the sugar industry. This secured Nosy Be's status as a world leader in the production of perfume components and gave the island its famous brand.
• Reorientation towards the Service Sector (1990s)
  The beginning of active construction of hotel bases and entertainment infrastructure.
  Significance: Tourism became the engine of the economy, stimulating the development of small businesses, restaurants, and excursion bureaus, which changed the employment structure of the local population.
• Transport Globalisation (2014)
  Large-scale modernisation of Fascene Airport to accommodate long-haul aircraft.
  Significance: The opening of direct air connections with Europe (particularly with Italy) brought the resort to an international level, ensuring a stable flow of tourists and investment in construction.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Nosy Be, and particularly its capital Hell-Ville (Andoany), represents a living illustration of colonial history in the tropics. There are no monumental Gothic cathedrals or postmodern skyscrapers here; the city's appearance was formed under the influence of French administrative order, the needs of maritime trade, and the climatic features of the region.

The urban development of the city began in the mid-19th century with a clear street layout around the port, which was atypical for traditional Malagasy settlements of that time. Today, the city retains the charm of the old world, where European canons are adapted to the hot climate.

Eras and Architectural Styles

The island's buildings are clearly divided into historical layers corresponding to the stages of its economic development:

• Colonial Style (Mid-19th — Early 20th Century)
  This period defined the face of the old centre. Buildings were constructed with functionality and the prestige of the French administration in mind.
  Characteristic features: Massive stone walls, high ceilings for air circulation, spacious verandas (varangues), and colonnades protecting against the sun and heavy rains.
  Examples: The Prefecture building, old administrative offices in the port area.
• Indo-Oceanic Trade Style (Late 19th — 20th Century)
  With the influx of Indian traders, a specific type of commercial building emerged, reminiscent of the architecture of the old quarters of Zanzibar or Pondicherry.
  Characteristic features: Two-storey buildings where the ground floor is occupied by shops with wide doorways, and the upper floor contains living quarters with balconies and wooden shutters.
• Tropical Modernism and Resort Style (Late 20th — 21st Century)
  With the development of tourism, architecture expanded beyond the city limits. Modern hotels and villas strive to blend into the landscape.
  Characteristic features: Use of natural materials (wood, Ravinala palm thatch, stone) combined with modern structures, panoramic glazing, and open layouts.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

The appearance of Nosy Be is shaped by several key locations that serve as landmarks for travellers:

• Boulevard Poincaré: A promenade lined with ancient colonial mansions and preserved cannons from the era of naval battles. This is the "façade" of the city that greets those arriving by sea.
• Bazar Be: The central covered market — the heart of city life. Although the building itself has been rebuilt several times, it retains the structure of a traditional southern market with high vaults and open passageways.
• Catholic Missions: Small churches scattered across the island (for example, in Hell-Ville), designed in a restrained style combining elements of simplified classicism and local building traditions.

Prominent Figures in the History of Nosy Be

The history of the island and the city of Andoany (Hell-Ville) is shaped by the intertwining destinies of local monarchs, European explorers, and military figures. Here are the key figures who left a significant mark on the chronicles of this region.

• Queen Tsiomeko
  The last Queen of the Sakalava people (Boina dynasty)
  A key historical figure of the 19th century. Fleeing the conquests of Queen Ranavalona I (ruler of the Merina Kingdom), Tsiomeko led her people to Nosy Be. It was she who signed the treaty with France in 1841, handing the island over to a protectorate in exchange for protection, which defined the political fate of the region for a century and a half.
• Pierre Passot
  French naval officer and diplomat
  The captain who negotiated with Queen Tsiomeko and officially accepted Nosy Be under French administration. He is considered the founder of the island's main city — Hell-Ville (now Andoany), which he named in honour of his superior, Admiral de Hell.
• Monsignor Pierre Dalmond
  Missionary, the first Catholic Bishop of Madagascar
  Played a fundamental role in the spread of Christianity in the region. He spent the last years of his life on Nosy Be and passed away here in 1847. His grave is located in Hell-Ville and is an important historical monument for believers and researchers.
• Zinovy Petrovich Rozhestvensky
  Russian Vice-Admiral
  Commander of the Second Pacific Squadron of the Imperial Russian Navy. Under his leadership, an armada of dozens of ships and thousands of sailors spent over two months anchored at Nosy Be (from December 1904 to March 1905) before the Battle of Tsushima. This stay left a significant mark on the local economy and memory (including a Russian cemetery on the island).
• Queen Binao
  Ruler of the Sakalava-Bemihisatra
  A successor to royal traditions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During the anti-colonial unrest of 1895, she played a complex political role, attempting to balance the interests of her people with the colonial administration. She is buried in a sacred site on the island, revered by local residents.