Calabar history

The city of Calabar, located in southeastern Nigeria at the confluence of the Calabar and Cross Rivers, possesses a rich and multi-layered history. Its past is closely interwoven with the era of maritime trade and the cultural heritage of the region's peoples.

The city was founded in the 17th century by the Efik people and was originally known as Akwa Akpa. The settlement grew rapidly, evolving into a significant city-state. Some historical sources indicate contacts with Europeans, specifically Portuguese navigators, as early as the 15th century. The name "Calabar" appeared on European maps in the 17th century.

The city's development was driven by several key factors. Firstly, its strategic geographical location at the river mouth provided a natural harbour and direct access to the Gulf of Guinea, making it an ideal port for maritime trade. Secondly, beginning in the 17th century, Calabar became one of the largest centres of transatlantic trade in Africa. Following the abolition of this trade, palm oil became the primary export commodity. Thirdly, the city played a vital political role: after the establishment of the British Protectorate in 1884, the administration was based in Calabar, and it effectively served as the first capital of Southern Nigeria until 1906.

The early history of Calabar is marked by the dominance of the Efik culture. A significant social and economic role was played by secret societies, such as Ekpe, which regulated trade and social relations. From the mid-19th century, Christian missionaries began to operate actively in the region, which had a significant impact on the development of education. The economy, initially based on fishing and agriculture, remained closely linked to international trade for several centuries.

Key Dates in Calabar's History

The history of Calabar is a kaleidoscope of vivid events, ranging from the era of powerful kingdoms to its emergence as an important colonial and cultural hub. Below is a chronology of the key moments that shaped the character of the modern city.

• 17th Century: The Efik people found the settlement of Akwa Akpa, which would later become known as Calabar and develop into a major trading centre.
• Late 17th - Early 19th Century: The city becomes one of the largest centres of the transatlantic slave trade in Africa.
• 1842: Local rulers, the Kings of Duke Town and Creek Town, sign a treaty to abolish the slave trade.
• 1846: Scottish missionaries led by Hope Waddell establish the first Christian mission and school, marking the beginning of Western education in the region.
• 1850: Under the influence of missionaries, the Ekpe secret society enacts a law prohibiting human sacrifice.
• 1884: On September 10, local chiefs sign a protectorate treaty with Great Britain, and Calabar officially comes under British control.
• 1885: Calabar becomes the capital of the Oil Rivers Protectorate.
• 1895: The Hope Waddell Training Institution is founded — one of the oldest secondary schools in Eastern Nigeria.
• 1900: The city is declared the capital of the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria.
• 1906: The administrative centre of Southern Nigeria is moved from Calabar to Lagos.
• 1975: The University of Calabar is opened, becoming a vital educational and scientific centre for the country.
• Early 2000s: The annual Christmas Carnival is established in the city, quickly acquiring the status of the largest street festival in Africa and transforming Calabar into the tourism capital of Nigeria.

Development Stages: From Trade Port to Cultural Capital

Calabar's history is a journey of impressive transformations. The city has passed through several key stages, each leaving a deep imprint on its economic, cultural, and urban landscape.

• Emergence as a Maritime Trade Centre (17th–19th Centuries). Thanks to its strategic position at the river mouth, Calabar evolved into one of the region's largest ports. Initially, the city's economy was built on palm oil exports, but it later became a major hub for the transatlantic slave trade. This period formed the city's economic foundation but left behind a complex legacy.
• Centre of Enlightenment and Social Reform (Mid-19th Century). The arrival of Christian missionaries in 1846 was a turning point in Calabar's cultural life. This led not only to the spread of Christianity but also to the founding of the first Western-style schools, laying the groundwork for educational development in the region and contributing to the abolition of harsh customs.
• Administrative Capital (1884–1906). With the establishment of the British Protectorate, Calabar received capital status and became the administrative centre of Southern Nigeria. This period was marked by active urban planning: administrative buildings appeared, infrastructure was improved, and the city acquired the features of a colonial centre.
• Founding of the University of Calabar (1975). The opening of the university strengthened the city's status as an important educational and intellectual hub in Nigeria. This attracted academic talent and youth from across the country, giving a new impulse to its cultural development.
• Transformation into a Tourism Hub (Early 2000s). The launch of large-scale projects, such as the Tinapa business resort and the annual Christmas Carnival, radically changed the city's economy. The carnival, known as "Africa's Biggest Street Party", attracts thousands of tourists annually and has made Calabar the recognised tourism capital of Nigeria.

The architectural landscape of Calabar represents a multi-layered narrative, harmoniously weaving together traditional West African motifs, elegant colonial heritage, and modern functional structures. The city's development can be divided into several key architectural eras.

Traditional and Pre-Colonial Architecture

The original development of the Akwa Akpa settlement, founded by the Efik people, followed the canons of the region's traditional architecture. Dwellings and public structures were built from available natural materials: clay, wood, and palm leaves for roofing. The primary focus was on functionality and adaptation to the hot and humid climate, which was reflected in the construction of homes with excellent natural ventilation.

Era of Colonial Architecture (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

The most visible mark on Calabar's architecture was left by the British colonial period, when the city served as the first capital of the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria. During this time, numerous administrative buildings, churches, and residences were erected in a style that can be described as Tropical Colonial. It is characterised by wide verandas, high ceilings for air circulation, louvered shutters, and the use of imported prefabricated structures. Many buildings were manufactured in Great Britain and assembled on-site.

Iconic examples of this period include:

• Old Residency Museum: The former residence of British colonial administrators, built in 1884. This magnificent building was entirely prefabricated from Scandinavian pine in Britain and shipped to Calabar in parts. Today, it houses a museum preserving artefacts of colonial history and the trade era.
• Duke Town Cathedral: One of the oldest Presbyterian churches in Nigeria, founded by Scottish missionaries in the 19th century. Its architecture reflects European ecclesiastical traditions adapted to local conditions.

Modern and Post-Colonial Architecture (From Mid-20th Century)

After Nigeria gained independence, the city's architecture began to reflect new national aspirations and global trends. In the mid-20th century, structures in the spirit of Modernism appeared, distinguished by functionality, clean lines, and the use of reinforced concrete. A striking representative of this style is the campus of the University of Calabar, founded in 1975. Since the late 20th century, as the city transformed into a tourism centre, modern hotels and large complexes have begun to appear, such as the Tinapa Business Resort and the International Conference Centre, the architecture of which follows international standards.

Notable Figures Associated with Calabar

Calabar, with its rich and multi-layered history, has been the birthplace or a significant centre of activity for many iconic figures. These individuals have left a notable mark on the politics, culture, and public life of Nigeria and beyond.

• Mary Slessor (1848–1915) — A Scottish missionary who arrived in Calabar in 1876. She dedicated her life to combating local harsh customs, particularly the practice of killing newborn twins. Having learned the language and culture of the Efik people, she earned immense respect, becoming one of the most influential figures in the region, the first female Vice-Consul in Calabar, and a magistrate.
• Hope Masterton Waddell (1804–1895) — An Irish missionary who founded the Presbyterian mission in Calabar in 1846. His activities marked the beginning of the spread of Western education and Christianity in the region. He founded the Hope Waddell Training Institution, which became one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in Nigeria.
• Donald Duke (born 1961) — A Nigerian politician born in Calabar. He served as Governor of Cross River State from 1999 to 2007. His tenure was marked by large-scale projects that transformed Calabar into the tourism capital of Nigeria, including the creation of the Tinapa Business Resort and the establishment of the famous Christmas Carnival, known as "Africa's Biggest Street Party".
• Kate Henshaw (born 1971) — A renowned Nigerian actress born in Calabar. She began her career in 1993 and became one of the most recognisable and respected actresses in Nollywood, receiving numerous awards for her work in cinema.
• Ini Edo (born 1982) — A popular Nigerian actress who studied at the University of Calabar. She has appeared in over 100 films since the start of her career in 2000 and is one of the most influential figures in the Nigerian film industry. In 2014, she was appointed as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for youth and urban issues.
• Clementine “Tina” Edoh — A Nigerian and Ivorian handball player born in Calabar. She represented Côte d'Ivoire at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, becoming part of world sports history as a native of this city.
• Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904–1996) — Although he was not born in Calabar, his political career is closely linked to the city. One of the founding fathers of modern Nigeria and its first President, Azikiwe began his journalistic and political activities in the 1930s, working as a newspaper editor in Calabar and actively participating in the anti-colonial movement.