History of Koror

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Koror is rooted in deep antiquity, emerging as one of the settlements on the volcanic island of the same name. As a modern administrative and trading centre, the city began to take shape after the first significant contact with Europeans in 1783. This occurred when the British vessel "Antelope", under the command of Captain Henry Wilson, was shipwrecked off the coast of Palau. The crew received assistance from the High Chief of Koror (the Ibedul), marking the beginning of long-standing relations with Great Britain and the settlement's entry onto the international stage.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a traditional village into the dominant centre of the archipelago was driven by several reasons:

• Political Power: Thanks to the alliance with the British and access to firearms in the late 18th century, the chiefs of Koror were able to consolidate their influence and establish control over neighbouring tribes and islands.
• Geographical Location: The island is protected by natural barrier reefs and possesses convenient harbours, making it an ideal location for ship anchorage and maritime trade.
• Administrative Status: During various historical periods (Spanish, German, and Japanese), Koror was selected by colonial administrations as the centre of governance, which stimulated the development of urban infrastructure.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially, Koror's economy was based on subsistence farming: fishing and taro cultivation. Cultural life centred around the bai — traditional men's meeting houses, adorned with intricate carvings and legends. During the period of Japanese administration (1914–1944), the city underwent significant urbanisation, transforming into a bustling metropolis known as "Little Tokyo," with a developed road network, electricity, and schools, laying the foundation for the city's modern appearance.

Major Milestones in the History of Koror

• 1783 — The British ship "Antelope" is shipwrecked off the island's coast, leading to the first significant contact between locals and Europeans and the commencement of trade relations.
• 1885 — Pope Leo XIII confirms Spain's sovereignty over the Caroline Islands, including Palau, formalising the Spanish presence in the region.
• 1899 — Following the Spanish-American War, Spain sells the islands to Germany, and Koror becomes part of German New Guinea, stimulating the copra trade.
• 1914 — At the outbreak of World War I, the Japanese Empire occupies the islands, effectively taking over governance from the German administration.
• 1922 — Koror officially becomes the administrative centre of the Japanese South Seas Mandate, evolving into a modern city with developed infrastructure.
• 1944 — During World War II, control of the archipelago passes to the United States of America following fierce battles in the region.
• 1947 — The city becomes part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands under US administration via a UN mandate.
• 1981 — The Constitution of the Republic of Palau is adopted, and Koror is proclaimed the provisional capital of the new self-governing state.
• 1994 — Palau gains full independence under a Compact of Free Association with the US, and Koror affirms its status as the country's main economic and tourism hub.
• 2006 — The official capital of Palau is moved from Koror to the settlement of Ngerulmud in the state of Melekeok, though the city remains the archipelago's largest settlement.
• 2012 — The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, managed from Koror, are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Stages of Urban and Cultural Development

The appearance and economy of Koror have been shaped by the influence of various cultures and historical events. Several key stages can be identified that transformed the island settlement into Palau's main tourism and commercial hub:

• The Era of Industrialisation and Planning (1920s–1930s)
  During the Japanese administration, Koror experienced its first urbanisation boom. The city was rebuilt according to a regular plan: paved roads, electrical networks, water supply systems, and industrial enterprises appeared. This period laid the foundation of urban infrastructure, turning Koror into "Little Tokyo" with a population exceeding 30,000 people.
• Post-War Recovery and Change of Course (Late 1940s – 1960s)
  After the devastation of World War II, the city had to be rebuilt from scratch. Under US administration, the focus shifted from industrial production to the development of the service sector and administrative functions. Utilitarian concrete structures, resistant to typhoons, began to dominate the architecture.
• Construction of the Koror–Babeldaob Bridge (1977 and 2002)
  A critical event for the economy was the connection of Koror Island with the archipelago's largest island, Babeldaob, where the international airport is located. The opening of the bridge (the original one, and later the new one built with Japanese support) ensured a stable flow of goods and tourists, making Koror the logistical centre of the country.
• Tourism Boom and Independence (1990s)
  Gaining independence coincided with Palau opening up to the global diving community. The city's economy reoriented towards tourism: active construction of hotels, restaurants, and dive centres began. Koror became the "gateway" to the archipelago's unique underwater world.
• Functional Specialisation (Post-2006)
  Moving the political capital to Ngerulmud allowed Koror to be relieved of administrative bustle. The city consolidated its status as the commercial and entertainment heart of the country, where all major infrastructure for travellers, shops, and cultural centres are concentrated.
• Course Towards Eco-Sustainability (Modern Stage)
  In recent years, the city's development has proceeded under the aegis of nature conservation. The introduction of strict environmental regulations (for example, the ban on certain sunscreens and single-use plastics) and the creation of protected zones around Koror form a new cultural code for the city, oriented towards responsible tourism.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Environment

The architecture of Koror represents a unique mosaic where ancient Micronesian traditions intertwine with remnants of colonial development and modern utilitarian solutions. Urban development here was dictated not so much by aesthetic canons as by climatic conditions (the threat of typhoons) and the succession of foreign administrations.

Main Architectural Eras

The city's appearance can be broadly divided into several key periods, each leaving its mark on Koror's structure:

• Traditional Era (Pre-19th Century)
  Style: Vernacular Architecture of Oceania
  Before the arrival of Europeans, the basis of construction consisted of wooden structures with thatched roofs on stone platforms. The pinnacle of this style is the bai — men's meeting houses. Characteristic features include steep gable roofs, an absence of walls in the conventional sense (for ventilation), and rich carvings on the gables depicting legends. Although original ancient structures have virtually not survived, modern replicas and stylisations (for example, the Belau National Museum building) actively use this recognisable silhouette.
• Japanese Period (1914–1944)
  Style: Colonial Functionalism and Elements of Shinto
  It was during this time that Koror transformed from a village into a city. Japanese engineers introduced regular street planning and began constructing permanent buildings from concrete. Although World War II bombings destroyed much of "Little Tokyo," one can still find temple foundations, torii gates, and remnants of administrative buildings from that era hidden within the tropical greenery.
• Post-War Reconstruction and Modernity (From the 1950s)
  Style: Utilitarian Brutalism and Tropical Modernism
  The restoration of the city under US administration and during the independence period was conducted with an emphasis on practicality and safety. The primary material is reinforced concrete, capable of withstanding typhoons and humidity. Residential and commercial developments often consist of simple rectangular volumes with flat or pitched metal roofs.

Landmark Structures and Urban Elements

Despite its modest size, Koror possesses objects that shape its visual code:

• Belau National Museum: A vivid example of modern interpretation of traditions. The new museum building is stylised as a traditional bai house, combining modern construction technologies with ethnic decor.
• Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge: A grandiose engineering structure connecting Koror with Babeldaob Island. This cable-stayed bridge has become a symbol of the country's modern infrastructure and its main transport artery.
• Etpison Museum: A colonial-style building with elements of local culture, standing out against the simpler urban backdrop due to its immaculate maintenance and architectural detail.

Historical Figures and Traditional Leaders

• Prince Lee Boo — Son of the High Chief (Ibedul)
  One of the most romanticised figures in the history of the islands. In 1783, he became the first Palauan to travel to Europe (to London) alongside Captain Henry Wilson. His journey became a symbol of the first diplomatic and cultural contact between Palau and the Western world, opening the archipelago to international trade.
• Captain Henry Wilson — British Navigator
  Captain of the vessel "Antelope," which was shipwrecked on the reefs of Koror. His forced stay on the island and friendship with the local chief radically changed the balance of power in the region. Thanks to the assistance of Wilson's crew and the weapons provided, the clans of Koror were able to unite the islands under their rule, predetermining the city's future status as the capital.
• Ibedul Yutaka Gibbons — High Chief of Koror, Activist
  A prominent modern leader who combined traditional authority with civil activism. He gained global renown and the Right Livelihood Award (the alternative Nobel Prize) for his successful struggle for a nuclear-free constitution for Palau, protecting the waters of Koror and the entire country from the deployment of nuclear weapons.

Creators of Modern Koror

• Haruo Remeliik — First President of Palau
  A key political figure during the transition to independence. He led the country from Koror during the most challenging years of statehood formation, participating in the drafting of the Constitution and the establishment of the new republic's government bodies.
• Kuniwo Nakamura — President of Palau (1993–2001)
  The politician under whom Palau gained full independence and joined the UN. His tenure was marked by rapid economic growth in Koror, the construction of modern infrastructure, and the strengthening of international ties, especially with Japan.
• Francis Toribiong — Diving Pioneer, Entrepreneur
  A legendary figure often called the "father of Palauan diving." It was he who explored the reefs around Koror, discovered the famous Blue Corner site, and transformed the city into a world capital of underwater diving, laying the foundation for the island's modern tourism economy.