History of Toamasina

The history of Toamasina, formerly known as Tamatave, is inextricably linked to its strategic location on the east coast of Madagascar. Although the exact date of its founding is unknown, the settlement began to develop actively in the 18th and 19th centuries as an important trading centre. The city owes its growth to a natural coral reef that formed a convenient and protected harbour, ideally suited for seagoing vessels. According to one version, the name "Toamasina" translates from Malagasy as "like salt" or "salty", indicating its coastal location.

Its geographical position made Toamasina the island's main maritime gateway. International trade played a key role in its establishment: coffee, vanilla, pepper, and graphite were exported through the port, while industrial goods were imported. The developed port infrastructure, based on the natural bay, continues to handle a significant part of the country's foreign trade today. During French rule, Toamasina also acquired significant administrative importance — consulates and government institutions were located here, which strengthened its status as an economic and political hub.

From the very beginning, Toamasina was a cosmopolitan city where the interests of the Malagasy peoples, European traders, and settlers intersected, which is reflected in its architecture and way of life. The city is built on a sandy peninsula, which determined its layout. One of the iconic places became the central market Bazary Be, which remains the heart of the city's trade to this day, offering everything from exotic spices to the works of local artisans. Despite periodic destruction by tropical cyclones, such as in 1927, the city was restored each time, preserving its role as a key economic centre on the eastern coast of Madagascar.

Key Dates in the History of Toamasina

• 18th Century — The settlement, known as Tamatave, becomes an important centre of trade and a place of unification for the Betsimisaraka peoples.
• 1817 — King Radama I conquers the city, incorporating it into the Kingdom of Imerina, which was a step towards the unification of Madagascar.
• 11 June 1883 — French troops bombard and capture Tamatave, starting the first Franco-Hova War.
• 17 December 1885 — Signing of a peace treaty, under which France gained control over the kingdom's foreign policy and the right to place a resident in the capital.
• 12 December 1894 — French marines recapture Toamasina, marking the beginning of the second Franco-Hova War.
• 1896 — Madagascar officially becomes a French colony, and Toamasina is confirmed in its status as the main port and administrative centre of the east coast.
• 1913 — Construction of the railway line connecting Toamasina with the capital Antananarivo is completed, strengthening its economic significance.
• 3 March 1927 — A devastating tropical cyclone hits the city, leading to numerous casualties and massive destruction.
• 26 June 1960 — Madagascar gains independence from France, and Toamasina retains its status as the country's main maritime gateway and economic centre.
• 1977 — The University of Toamasina is founded, turning the city into an important educational and scientific centre of the region as well.

Major Milestones in Toamasina's Development

The history of Toamasina is not just a list of events, but a story of how the city turned challenges into opportunities, shaping its modern appearance. The key stages of its development demonstrate its transformation from a colonial port into the main economic, logistics, and tourist hub of Madagascar.

• Port Modernisation. In the 21st century, the port of Toamasina underwent large-scale modernisation, transforming into a modern deep-water container terminal. This allowed it to receive large ocean vessels and strengthened its status as the country's main maritime gateway, through which the bulk of Madagascar's international trade passes.
• Development of the Pangalanes Canal. A unique system of connected lakes and rivers, known as the Canal des Pangalanes, has become a vital transport artery. This inland waterway, stretching more than 600 kilometres along the coast, serves as an alternative to ocean shipping, ensuring the transport of cargo and passengers between coastal villages and Toamasina.
• Spice Trade Centre. The city is rightfully considered the "capital of spices". It is through its port that the famous Malagasy vanilla, cloves, pepper, and other spices are sent to world markets. This role not only defines the region's economy but also fills local markets, such as Bazary Be, with a unique aroma and atmosphere.
• Emergence as a Tourism Hub. Over time, Toamasina has transformed from a purely industrial city into an important transit point for tourists. From here, travellers depart for the famous Île Sainte-Marie and the secluded beaches of the northern coast. This process stimulated the development of hotel infrastructure and the service sector within the city itself.
• Industrial Diversification. After gaining independence, the city's economy ceased to depend exclusively on the port. Enterprises in the food, oil refining, and metalworking industries were established in Toamasina and its surroundings, which contributed to the creation of new jobs and made the city's economy more resilient and multifaceted.

Toamasina's Architectural Landscape: From Colonial Heritage to Modernity

The architecture of Toamasina is a visual history of the city, reflecting its transformation from a colonial port into the main economic centre of Madagascar. The city's appearance is dominated not by classical European eras like Gothic or Renaissance, but by later styles formed under the influence of the French colonial period and modern realities.

Main Architectural Stages:

• French Colonial Style (Late 19th – Mid 20th Century). This period had a decisive influence on the city's appearance. Many old buildings in the centre of Toamasina, especially along Independence Avenue, are prime examples of colonial architecture. They are characterised by wide verandas, high ceilings, large shuttered windows, and arcades on the ground floors — all designed to ensure comfort in the humid tropical climate. After the devastating cyclone of 1927, the city was largely rebuilt, leading to a more orderly, grid-like street layout typical of colonial urban planning. Iconic structures of that era include administrative buildings, such as the Town Hall and the old treasury building, as well as private villas and trading houses.
• Post-Colonial and Modern Period (From 1960 to Present). After gaining independence, architecture became more functional. Modern concrete structures, apartment blocks, and commercial buildings began to appear in the city, devoid of the decorative excesses of the past. An important addition to the urban environment was the founding of the University of Toamasina in 1977, which led to the construction of new academic buildings. In recent decades, the coastal zone has been actively developed: the seafront has been modernised, featuring modern entertainment complexes, restaurants, and sports grounds suitable for families.

Today, Toamasina presents an eclectic combination of fading colonial charm and pragmatic modern development. A walk through the old quarters allows one to see ruins and well-preserved buildings of the 19th century, while new districts and the port zone demonstrate the dynamic development of the city as the country's main maritime gateway.

Prominent Figures of Toamasina

The history of Toamasina and its cultural heritage are closely intertwined with the names of outstanding figures whose influence went far beyond the city limits. From the founders of kingdoms to modern leaders, these personalities have left a deep mark on the history of all Madagascar.

At the origins of the region's formation stood Ratsimilaho. In the 18th century, this charismatic leader united many clans of the east coast into the Betsimisaraka confederation, laying the foundation for the development of Toamasina as an important trade and political centre.

The city was also a centre of intellectual life. Jacques Rabemananjara, one of the key leaders of the movement for Madagascar's independence, was also an outstanding writer and poet. His activities were closely linked to the struggle against colonialism, in which Toamasina, as the main port, played a central role. Although the father of modern Malagasy literature Jean-Joseph Rabearivelo lived primarily in the capital, his work had a huge impact on the entire country, including the cultural circles of Toamasina.

In the city's recent history, the role of the Ratsiraka family is particularly notable. Didier Ratsiraka, one of the most influential figures in the country's politics in the 20th century and a long-serving president, hailed from the Toamasina province and was closely connected to the city. In the 21st century, his work was continued by his nephew Roland Ratsiraka, who repeatedly served as mayor and actively participated in the modernisation of urban infrastructure. Alexis Rabemananjara, who served as mayor in the second half of the 20th century, also contributed to the management and development of Toamasina in the post-colonial period.