History of Port Moresby

The history of Port Moresby began long before the arrival of Europeans. For millennia, indigenous peoples, particularly the Motu tribes, inhabited this territory, building characteristic stilt villages over the water and conducting active trade with neighbouring tribes. The European discoverer of this area was the British Captain John Moresby in 1873. He discovered and charted a vast natural harbour, which he named Port Moresby in honour of his father, Admiral Sir Fairfax Moresby. Several key factors defined the city's development.

Here are the main milestones of its formation:

• Geographical Location: A convenient natural harbour, sheltered from bad weather, made Port Moresby an ideal location for a port. This secured its status as a major British stronghold and subsequently an important trading hub.
• Political Role: In 1884, following the establishment of a British protectorate over the south-eastern part of New Guinea, Port Moresby became the administrative centre of the colony. This status was maintained even after the territory was transferred to Australian administration in 1906. During World War II, the city served as a vital base for Allied forces.
• Capital Status: After Papua New Guinea gained independence in 1975, Port Moresby was proclaimed its capital, cementing its central role in the country's political and economic life.

Initially, the regional economy was based on the traditional trade of the Motu people, who exchanged pottery for sago and other produce with tribes from the Gulf of Papua. With the arrival of Europeans, Port Moresby transformed into a trading port through which rubber, copra, and gold were exported. The first colonial structures began to appear in the city, such as the Ella United Church, erected in 1890. Gradually, Port Moresby became a cultural melting pot, where the traditions of the country's more than 700 ethnic groups blended with European and Asian influences.

Key Dates in the History of Port Moresby

• Approx. 2000 years ago — Ancestors of the modern Motu and Koitabu peoples settle the coast, establishing villages and developing a unique trading system known as "Hiri".
• 20 February 1873 — British Captain John Moresby enters the harbour on the ship HMS Basilisk and names it Port Moresby in honour of his father, Admiral Sir Fairfax Moresby.
• 1884 — Following the establishment of a British protectorate over south-eastern New Guinea, Port Moresby becomes its administrative centre.
• 1906 — Administration of the Territory of Papua is transferred to Australia, with Port Moresby retaining its capital status.
• 3 February 1942 — The first Japanese bombing of the city occurs, marking the beginning of the prolonged Battle of Port Moresby during World War II.
• May 1942 — The Battle of the Coral Sea thwarts Japanese plans for a naval invasion and capture of Port Moresby.
• August 1943 — The Battle of Port Moresby concludes with an Allied victory, making the city a key base for further operations in the Pacific.
• 1949 — The city becomes the capital of the unified Australian Territory of Papua and New Guinea.
• 1964 — The University of Papua New Guinea opens in Port Moresby, becoming the country's premier higher education institution.
• 16 September 1975 — Papua New Guinea gains independence, and Port Moresby is officially proclaimed its capital.
• 1980–1990 — The city experiences rapid population growth, increasing from 120,000 to 195,000 residents.
• November 2018 — Port Moresby hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, attracting international attention to the city.

Key Stages of Port Moresby's Development

The development of Port Moresby is the story of a transformation from a colonial outpost into a dynamic capital. Each stage has left a noticeable mark on its economic, cultural, and urban landscape.

• Becoming an Administrative Centre (1884). After the declaration of the British protectorate, the city became its capital, initiating the formation of administrative infrastructure and urban planning. This laid the foundation for its future role as the country's main political hub.
• Role in World War II (1942–1943). The city served as a strategically vital base for Allied forces. Infrastructure, including the port and airfields, was significantly expanded and modernised for military needs, which later became the basis for civilian development after the war.
• Opening of the University of Papua New Guinea (1964). This event was a turning point in cultural and social life. The university transformed Port Moresby into the country's main educational and intellectual centre, contributing to the formation of the national elite.
• Achieving Capital Status (1975). With Papua New Guinea gaining independence, Port Moresby was officially proclaimed the capital. This gave a powerful impetus to the construction of government buildings, including the famous Parliament House, and strengthened its status as the heart of the nation.
• Rapid Growth and Urbanisation (1980–1990s). During this period, the city's population nearly doubled due to internal migration. Such a demographic boom led to the rapid expansion of urban areas but also gave rise to social challenges and the growth of informal settlements.
• Centre of the Oil and Gas Industry (from 2014). The launch of a massive Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) production project with an export terminal in Port Moresby elevated the economy of the city and the country to a new level. The capital became a corporate and logistical hub for the resources sector.
• Hosting the APEC Summit (2018). Preparations for this international event entailed a large-scale modernisation of urban infrastructure. New roads, hotels, and the modern APEC Haus convention centre were built, noticeably transforming the capital's appearance.
• Development of Cultural Institutions. The creation and development of facilities such as the National Museum and Art Gallery cemented Port Moresby's role as the custodian of the unique cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea's more than 800 ethnic groups.

The architectural appearance of Port Moresby is an eclectic mix reflecting its complex history: from traditional indigenous settlements to its colonial past and status as a modern capital. There are no classical European styles here, such as Gothic or Baroque; instead, unique local and modern architectural solutions are vividly represented.

Traditional and Colonial Architecture

The region's initial appearance was defined by traditional settlements, such as the village of Hanuabada, consisting of houses on stilts. This type of construction remains an important part of the urban landscape. With the arrival of Europeans in the late 19th century, the first colonial buildings began to appear. This period is characterised by simple, functional wooden structures with verandas and corrugated iron roofs, adapted to the hot and humid climate. One of the oldest surviving buildings is the Ella Church, built by missionaries in 1890. Most of these structures are concentrated in the old district of the city, known as "Town".

Architecture of the Independence Era and Modernity

After Papua New Guinea gained independence in 1975, a new stage in urban planning began, marked by a search for national identity in architecture. This period gifted the city its most iconic structures:

• National Parliament House (1984): This is the country's most famous building, a masterpiece of postmodernism with strong influences from local culture. Its main structure is designed in the style of a "Haus Tambaran" (spirit house)—a traditional meeting house from the Sepik River region—and the entrance is adorned with an impressive mosaic symbolising the cultural diversity of Papua New Guinea.
• APEC Haus (2018): Built for the APEC Summit, this modern conference centre has become a new symbol of the city. Its design is inspired by the shape of the sails of traditional "Lakatoi" boats, which the Motu people used for Hiri trade expeditions. The building is located on reclaimed land near Ela Beach and embodies the country's commercial and civic ambitions.
• Baha'i House of Worship: One of the newest architectural additions, the design of which is based on the traditional art of weaving, symbolising the unity of the country's diverse cultures. The woven pattern of the façade creates a unique and recognisable look.

Urban Development

Urban planning in Port Moresby reflects its rapid and sometimes chaotic growth. The administrative and government centre is concentrated in the Waigani district, where the Parliament, government buildings, the National Museum, and the university are located. At the same time, the business centre with modern office buildings and hotels, such as the Grand Papua Hotel, is found in the Town district and along the coast. This planned growth contrasts with extensive informal settlements that have emerged as a result of rapid urbanisation and internal migration, creating a complex and multi-layered urban environment.

Notable Figures Associated with Port Moresby

The history and culture of Port Moresby are inextricably linked with people who have made significant contributions to the development of not only the city but the entire country. Among them are politicians, athletes, and public figures.

• Sir Michael Somare (1936–2021) — Politician, "Father of the Nation". Chief Minister, and later the first Prime Minister of independent Papua New Guinea. His political career began in Port Moresby, where he was one of the founders of the Pangu Party, which led the country to independence in 1975. He played a key role in establishing the city as the capital and political centre of the nation. He passed away in Port Moresby in 2021.
• Sir John Guise (1914–1991) — Politician, the first Governor-General of Papua New Guinea. His political activities began in Port Moresby, where he worked in the colonial administration and led the Mixed Race Association. He became the first indigenous person elected Speaker of the House of Assembly and played an important role in the country's constitutional development towards independence. He died at his home in Port Moresby. A major sports complex in the capital is named in his honour.
• John Moresby (1830–1922) — British naval officer. In 1873, commanding the ship HMS Basilisk, he explored the coast of New Guinea and discovered a vast natural harbour, which he named in honour of his father, Admiral Sir Fairfax Moresby. This discovery marked the beginning of the European settlement that grew into the modern city of Port Moresby.
• Ryan Pini (born 1981) — Swimmer, Olympic champion. Born and raised in Port Moresby, where he began his sporting career at the Boroko Swimming Club. Pini is one of the most decorated athletes in the history of Papua New Guinea. He won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2006 and became the first swimmer from his country to reach an Olympic final (Beijing, 2008). He has repeatedly been the flag bearer for the national team at the Olympics.
• Justin Tkatchenko (born 1972) — Politician, businessman. Originally from Australia, he moved to Port Moresby, where he first worked as the curator of the Botanical Gardens, and later became a successful entrepreneur and well-known television presenter. After obtaining Papua New Guinean citizenship, he was elected to the National Parliament for the Moresby South electorate. He has held key government positions, including Minister for Foreign Affairs, and played an important role in the modern political life of the capital.
• Powes Parkop (born 1962) — Politician, human rights activist. Since 2007, he has held the post of Governor of the National Capital District, which includes Port Moresby. He is known for his initiatives to beautify and modernise the city, including efforts to combat litter and improve public safety. His long tenure as governor has had a significant impact on the modern appearance and development of the capital.