Harare history

The history of Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, is a tale of transformation from a small colonial outpost into a major modern metropolis. The city, originally bearing the name Salisbury, has come a long way, reflecting the key stages of development of the entire region.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city was founded on 12 September 1890 by a column sent by the British South Africa Company. Initially, it was a military fortification called Fort Salisbury, named in honour of the then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Lord Salisbury. In 1897, the settlement was granted municipality status, and in 1935, it received official city status. The city received its current name, Harare, in 1982, following the country's independence, in honour of a chief of the local Shona tribe.

Key Factors of Development

The growth and development of the city were driven by several important factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position on the fertile Highveld plateau at an altitude of approximately 1,483 metres above sea level provided the city with a comfortable subtropical highland climate and protection from many tropical diseases.
• Administrative Centre: Salisbury quickly became an important administrative hub. In 1923, it was designated the capital of the British self-governing colony of Southern Rhodesia. From 1953 to 1963, the city served as the capital of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.
• Trade and Transport: The settlement initially developed as a trading centre on the route to the port of Beira in Mozambique, which stimulated its economic growth. The construction of a railway connecting Salisbury to the coast further strengthened its commercial significance.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Salisbury developed as a centre of European culture and commerce in the region. The economy focused on servicing the surrounding agricultural areas and the gold mining industry. Administrative buildings were constructed in the city, alongside banks, offices, and hotels, forming a business centre with wide streets, many of which remain today. Early architecture combined colonial style with modern structures of that time, laying the foundation for the eclectic appearance of modern Harare.

Key Dates in Harare's History

The history of Harare is a reflection of the turbulent events that shaped the modern state of Zimbabwe. From a colonial outpost to a bustling capital, here are the main milestones of this journey.

• 1890 — On 12 September, a column of the British South Africa Company founds the military fortification of Fort Salisbury in honour of the British Prime Minister.
• 1897 — The rapidly growing settlement is granted municipality status, consolidating its administrative importance.
• 1899 — Construction of the railway connecting Salisbury with the coast of Mozambique is completed, giving a boost to trade development.
• 1923 — Salisbury officially becomes the capital of the British self-governing colony of Southern Rhodesia.
• 1935 — The settlement receives official "City" status, strengthening its position as the main centre of the colony.
• 1953 — The city becomes the capital of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, uniting Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia (Zambia), and Nyasaland (Malawi).
• 1963 — The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland dissolves, but Salisbury remains the capital of Southern Rhodesia.
• 1965 — The government of Ian Smith unilaterally declares Rhodesia's independence, and Salisbury becomes the capital of an unrecognized state.
• 1980 — On 18 April, Zimbabwe gains internationally recognized independence, and Salisbury becomes the capital of the new republic.
• 1982 — As part of a policy to move away from colonial heritage, the city of Salisbury is renamed Harare in honour of a legendary chief of the Shona people.
• 1995 — Harare hosts the 6th All-Africa Games, which became a significant sporting and cultural event for the city and the entire country.

Stages of Harare's Development

The development of Harare is a story of transformation from a colonial settlement into a dynamic African metropolis. Key milestones reflect important urban planning, economic, and cultural changes that have shaped the appearance of the modern capital of Zimbabwe.

• Foundation and Initial Planning (1890s). The city was established as the military Fort Salisbury and initially developed according to a grid layout principle, typical of colonial cities. It was created from the start as an administrative and trading centre, which determined its future growth.
• Railway Construction (1899). The arrival of the railway line connecting the city to the port of Beira in Mozambique became a powerful economic catalyst. This turned Salisbury into a key transport hub for the export of minerals and agricultural produce, stimulating commercial development.
• Capital Status and Urban Growth (1923–1950s). Upon receiving the status of capital of Southern Rhodesia, the city experienced a construction boom. During this period, key administrative buildings were erected, the business centre was formed, and the city officially received "City" status in 1935.
• The Federation Period (1953–1963). As the capital of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, the city experienced an unprecedented economic and industrial rise. This "golden age" attracted significant investment, leading to the expansion of industrial zones and the construction of new residential areas.
• Independence and Cultural Transformation (1980s). With Zimbabwe gaining independence in 1980 and the renaming of the city to Harare in 1982, a new stage began. This symbolized the rejection of the colonial past and the beginning of the formation of a new national identity. Active infrastructure development in the former "African" suburbs began during this period.
• Economic Reforms and Expansion (1990s). In the 1990s, economic reforms began in the country, influencing the urban economy. During this period, iconic architectural projects were realized in Harare, such as the Eastgate Centre (1996) and the new Reserve Bank tower, altering the urban landscape.

The architectural appearance of Harare is a visual chronicle of its brief but rich history. Founded in the late 19th century, the city bypassed the Gothic and Renaissance eras but became a platform for vivid colonial, modernist, and contemporary architectural trends. The development of urban planning reflects the transition from strict colonial order to the bold experiments of the post-colonial era.

Colonial Period (Late 19th – Mid 20th Century)

Early Salisbury, as Harare was then called, was built in accordance with the grid layout typical of British colonies. Victorian and Edwardian styles, adapted to the local climate, dominated the architecture. Characteristic features included red brick buildings with wide verandas, cast-iron elements, and corrugated iron roofs. The main emphasis was placed on functionality and durability.

• Iconic Buildings: Many of these structures still form the historic centre of the city. These include the oldest hotels, early administrative buildings, and the Anglican Cathedral, the construction of which was carried out over several decades.

The Era of Modernism (1950s – 1970s)

The period when the city was the capital of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was marked by an economic boom and the flourishing of modernist architecture. Buildings in the International Style and elements of Brutalism appeared in Harare. Architects used new materials—concrete, glass, and steel—to create strict geometric forms and large open spaces. This style symbolized progress and modernity.

• Iconic Buildings: During this time, many high-rise office buildings and public structures were built, defining the skyline of Harare's business centre. Livingstone House is one of the characteristic examples of this period.

Postmodernism and Modern "Green" Architecture (Since the 1980s)

After gaining independence, Harare's architecture became a field for seeking a new national identity and innovative solutions. The most famous example of this period is the Eastgate Centre, opened in 1996. This building became a global example of biomimicry and sustainable architecture. Its passive cooling system was modelled after termite mounds, allowing it to function without traditional air conditioning and significantly save energy. The project combines steel and glass elements with brick and stone structures, symbolizing the dialogue between technology and nature.

• Iconic Buildings: Besides the Eastgate Centre, an important symbol of the era became the new Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe tower—a monumental structure dominating the cityscape and reflecting the architectural ambitions of the independent state.

Notable Figures Associated with Harare

The capital of Zimbabwe, which has borne the names Salisbury and Harare throughout its history, became the birthplace or an important centre of activity for many iconic figures in politics, culture, and sports. These individuals left a significant mark on the history of not only the city but the entire country.

• Robert Mugabe (1924–2019) — A political figure, the first Prime Minister, and subsequently the second President of Zimbabwe. A key and one of the most influential figures in the country's history after gaining independence in 1980. His activities were inextricably linked with Harare as the state capital.
• Joshua Nkomo (1917–1999) — A politician, founder and leader of the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), and one of the founding fathers of the independent state. After merging with Mugabe's party, he served as Vice-President of the country. His political career was centred in Harare.
• Doris Lessing (1919–2013) — A British writer and laureate of the 2007 Nobel Prize in Literature. She spent a significant part of her life in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), and many of her early works were inspired by life in this country.
• Oliver Mtukudzi (1952–2019) — A world-renowned musician, guitarist, and composer, and a cultural icon of Zimbabwe. His unique style, known as "Tuku Music", received international acclaim. He lived and created in Harare for most of his life.
• Kirsty Coventry (born 1983) — An outstanding swimmer, multiple Olympic champion, and world record holder. Born in Harare, she is the most decorated athlete in the history of Zimbabwe. After retiring from sports, she became the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation.
• Tsitsi Dangarembga (born 1959) — A renowned writer and filmmaker born in Rhodesia. Her debut novel "Nervous Conditions" was named one of the twelve best African books of the 20th century. She is an important voice in the contemporary literature and public life of Zimbabwe.
• Dennis Brutus (1924–2009) — A poet and social activist known for his struggle against apartheid in South Africa. He was born in Salisbury (now Harare) and made a significant contribution to the anti-discrimination movement, including through campaigns for a sports boycott.