Thies

The city of Thiès, located 70 kilometers east of Dakar, is one of Senegal's key transportation and industrial hubs. Its history is closely tied to the colonial period and the development of the railway network in West Africa.

Foundation and Development

The modern history of Thiès began in the 19th century. In 1863, French colonial authorities built a fort here, which became the core of the future city. However, the decisive factor in the development of Thiès was the construction of the railway. In 1885, the city became a strategically important railway junction, connecting the Dakar-Niger and Dakar-Saint-Louis lines. This attracted merchants, workers, and military personnel to the region, promoting rapid growth of the settlement.

Key Factors of Establishment

Thiès's emergence as an important urban center was driven by several factors:

• Transport Hub: Its location at the intersection of key railway routes made the city a center for logistics and trade for the entire colony.
• Economic Activity: Workshops, agricultural processing plants (focusing on products like groundnuts), and livestock trade began to develop around the railway. In the 20th century, the city also became known for its carpet weaving.
• Administrative and Military Center: The presence of a military garrison and administrative offices strengthened the city's status and influence in the region.

Early Cultural Features

From the beginning, Thiès was a multi-ethnic city, home to representatives of various Senegalese peoples as well as Europeans. This contributed to the formation of a unique cultural environment. Schools were opened in the city, and it became home to one of the oldest cinemas in the country and a municipal museum, reflecting its growing cultural significance. The railway strike of 1947–1948 was a landmark event in the history of the anti-colonial movement in West Africa and left a deep mark on the cultural memory of the region.

Key Milestones in the History of Thiès

The history of the city of Thiès is closely intertwined with the colonial period and the development of Senegal's transport infrastructure. From a small military post to an important industrial and cultural center, here are the main stages of its journey.

• 1863: French colonial authorities build a military fort, which becomes the core of the future city and the starting point for its development.
• 1885: Construction of the railway connecting Dakar and Saint-Louis is completed. Thiès becomes a key railway hub on this route, giving a powerful boost to its growth.
• Early 20th Century: The city establishes its status as a vital transport hub with the expansion of the railway network, specifically the Dakar-Niger line, which was built through Thiès between 1904 and 1924. This attracts workers, merchants, and engineers to the city.
• 1930s: Railway workshops develop actively in the city, becoming some of the largest in West Africa and the main employer for the local population.
• 1947–1948: The famous railway workers' strike takes place in Thiès, becoming one of the most important events in the history of the anti-colonial and labor movement in West Africa. This event was reflected in the novel "God's Bits of Wood" by Senegalese writer Ousmane Sembène.
• 1960: Senegal gains independence, and Thiès becomes the administrative center of the region of the same name, continuing to play a major role in the country's economy.
• 1966: The Manufactures Sénégalaises des Arts Décoratifs (Senegalese Decorative Arts Factory) opens in the city, gaining worldwide fame for its tapestries and carpets.
• 1973: The École Polytechnique de Thiès is founded, becoming one of the country's leading engineering universities.
• Late 20th – Early 21st Century: Thiès continues to grow as an industrial and educational center, despite facing economic challenges related to the partial decline of the railway industry. The city remains the third largest in Senegal.

The development of Thiès is a story of a small settlement transforming into one of Senegal's most important cities. Key transformations were linked to its strategic position, industrial growth, and cultural initiatives.

Main Stages of the City's Development

• Becoming the Railway Capital. The construction of the railway played a decisive role in the city's fate. From 1885, when the line connecting Dakar and Saint-Louis passed through Thiès, it began to grow rapidly as the country's primary transport and logistics hub. Later, the largest railway workshops in West Africa were established here, cementing the city's status as an industrial center.
• Center of the Labor Movement. As industry grew, so did the self-awareness of the workers. The famous railway strike of 1947–1948 was one of the most significant events in the anti-colonial history of West Africa and forever etched Thiès into the history of the struggle for workers' rights.
• Global Tapestry Capital. On the initiative of the first president of independent Senegal, Léopold Sédar Senghor, the Manufactures Sénégalaises des Arts Décoratifs (Senegalese Decorative Arts Factory) was opened in the city in 1966. Its tapestries, created from designs by local artists, gained worldwide recognition and became a hallmark of Senegalese art.
• Forge of Engineering Talent. In 1973, the École Polytechnique de Thiès (Polytechnic School of Thiès) was founded. Today, it remains one of the country's leading higher education institutions, training engineers for various sectors of the economy.
• Regional Administrative Center. After Senegal gained independence in 1960, Thiès was granted the status of the administrative center for the region of the same name, strengthening its political and economic importance.
• Economic Diversification. Despite the gradual decline of the railway industry, the city managed to adapt. Today, the economy of Thiès relies not only on transport and logistics but also on agricultural processing, trade, and phosphate mining in the surrounding areas.

The architectural landscape of Thiès is a visual history of the city, harmoniously blending the austerity of the colonial era with more modern structures from the independence period. The city's development was inextricably linked to its status as the "railway capital" of Senegal, which defined its initial layout and the style of its key buildings.

French Colonial Heritage

The urban core of Thiès took shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and its layout largely follows the principles typical of French colonial cities. Central districts feature a relatively straight grid of streets, which was convenient for administration and movement. Buildings of this era are designed in the French colonial style, characterized by functionality and adaptation to the hot climate. Key elements include spacious verandas, high ceilings, and large windows with wooden louvered shutters to protect from the sun and provide ventilation. Many historical buildings, including former administrative offices and villas, still retain these features today.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

The most recognizable symbol of the city's colonial architecture is undoubtedly the railway station. It is more than just a transport hub; it is a historical monument around which modern Thiès grew. The station building and its adjacent workshops are a striking example of early 20th-century industrial architecture. The old city center, known as "Escale," still preserves the atmosphere of that era with its colonial houses and merchant shops.

Independence Era Architecture and Modernity

Following Senegal's independence in 1960, buildings reflecting new architectural trends began to appear in Thiès. Examples include the Polytechnic School buildings and the Manufactures Sénégalaises des Arts Décoratifs complex, built in a more modern and functional style. Contemporary development is represented by both private residences and commercial buildings, where pragmatism and the use of modern materials like concrete and glass take center stage. The city continues to expand, and its architectural landscape is constantly updated with new structures, creating an eclectic yet harmoniously unique image.

The city of Thiès and its surroundings have been the birthplace or a significant location for many of Senegal's most prominent figures. These individuals have left a notable mark on the country's politics, art, sports, and public life.

Ousmane Sembène (1923–2007)

Role: Writer and filmmaker.

Significance: Widely considered the "father of African cinema." Although Sembène was not born in Thiès, the city holds a central place in his work. His famous novel "God's Bits of Wood" (Les Bouts de bois de Dieu) is dedicated to the historic railway strike on the Dakar-Niger line in 1947, which was centered in Thiès. This work immortalized the city's role in the anti-colonial struggle.

Idrissa Seck (born 1959)

Role: Politician, former Prime Minister of Senegal.

Significance: A native of Thiès, Idrissa Seck is one of the key figures in modern Senegalese politics. He served as the country's Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004 and also served as the mayor of his hometown. His career is inextricably linked to the development of Thiès and the entire region.

Coumba Gawlo Seck (born 1972)

Role: Singer, composer.

Significance: One of Senegal's most famous singers, born in Thiès. Belonging to the griot caste (traditional storytellers and musicians), she became the first Senegalese singer in the modern music genre to receive a "gold record" in France. Coumba Gawlo is known for her powerful voice and active social work as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador.

Léopold Sédar Senghor (1906–2001)

Role: First President of Senegal, poet, and philosopher.

Significance: Although Senghor was not a native of Thiès, his contribution to the city's cultural life was immense. On his initiative, the Manufactures Sénégalaises des Arts Décoratifs was founded here in 1966. This enterprise brought worldwide fame to Thiès as the capital for the production of unique tapestries.

Idrissa Gana Gueye (born 1989)

Role: Professional footballer.

Significance: One of the most successful Senegalese footballers of his generation. He began his career at the Diambars football academy, located in the Thiès region. He has played for renowned European clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Everton and is a key player for the Senegal national team, with whom he won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021.

Ibrahim Seck (1938–1997)

Role: Stage and film actor.

Significance: Born and passed away in Thiès. Ibrahim Seck was a prominent actor who enjoyed a successful career in France. He appeared in dozens of films and television series, working with directors such as Costa-Gavras and Claude Lelouch. His roles in films like "The Confession" and "The Professional" earned him international acclaim.