Introduction
Officially known as Conakry located on the
west cost of Guinea along the Atlantic Ocean. It lies between Latitudes 9°30
and 9°70 North and longitudes 13°700 and 13°400 west (ADB, 2003). It is a
peninsula that stretches from the Northeast to the southwest over a distance of
36Km. The Conakry of contemporary time is lined with geometric arterial streets
that have tall and thick mango trees that submerge the city with their green
foliage with its cornich facing Oceans. Conakry is bordered by two cities namely
Koyah and Dobirika. The population in my hometown is about 1.5 million
approximately. Conakry is known for
sandy beach and forested interior. Conakry tropical climate is characterized by
two seasons: a dry season, which commences from October to May, and a wet
season that begins in June and culminates in September. The microclimate, due
to the influence of oceans monsoon winds and sea breeze, is responsible for an
abundant rainfall. Air humidity in Conakry ranges from 69% to 80%. The average
annual minimum temperature is (23°C) with very low thermal amplitude. The
maximum is around 29°C. Conakry is divided into five urban districts namely Kaloum,
Dixinm, Matoto and Ratoma.
History of Conakry
Conakry was founded in colonial times precisely in year 1880
by French; during that time it lies on Tumbo Island and the “Comapyennes
Peninsula”, it derived its name from a local village inhabited by Susu
community. For many years Conakry
remained a kind of museum of colonial architecture and urbanism. However, the
rapid acceleration of growth in the second half of the 20th century, had
implication for the city’s infrastructure and changes in ways of life. This
development was the results of several superimposed historical strata such as
planning and creation of facilities during colonial phase and minimal state
intervention associated with limitation on private initiatives during the
regimes of President Ahmed Sekou Toure, in addition to central role played by
private investors during the regime of Lansana Conte whose regime was
characterized by the absence of an urban policy, all of which led to an
explosion of economic liberalism and extension in private investments. New
Urbanization plans were enacted in the year 1989 and 1997 as first and second
phase respectively and these where geared towards having a significant impact
on the city development and accompany urban growth in every ramifications.
Social Structure and Customs,
The population of Conakry is heterogeneous, although certain
large groups dominate. When the French settled there in 1885 the Peninsula of Tombo
consisted of two sparely populated villages, known as Conakry and Boulbinet.
The Baga people are considered to constitute the demographic foundation of the
city and the Susu people merged with them to form the initial population of
Conakry. Then later on Peul (fulbe) migrants joined them. The Peul were present
in the villages of Tumbo from the 19th century onwards, and mostly
settled in the mainland. Considering the foregoing discourse, one can
categorically say that the Susu and Baga people formed the main demographic
basis of Conakry that is presently the Capital of the Republic of Guinea.
Culture,
the
culture of Conakry has been influenced by Islamic religion since the majority
of populations are Muslims. But, Muslim customs are not as stringent as what is
obtainable in the Arab world. Hence, the traveller to Conakry can easily notice
that from the inhabitant’s way of life. Everyone in the country have mutual
respect for people beliefs and traditions that are different from each tribe.
In Conakry, it is very important to greet people and ask them how they are
before starting a conversation. Guineans always use titles when addressing
other people such as Mr., Mrs., and miss (Monsieur, Madame, Mademoiselle
etc). The marriage tradition usually has two phases; phase one is based on
religion tradition whereby the couples and their families go to mosque for holy
solemnization between the couples. The second phase is based on the statutory
law whereby couples, families and friends go to the Commune append their
signature for marriage in the presence of the Mayor. Thereafter, celebration will
be held in the wife or husband’s house.
In my hometown there are three types of law that are enforced in the
city; they are customary, religious and statutory laws and these laws have
created confusion that undermines respect for women’s right such as forced
marriage.
In addition to above information, Conakry local people are
involve in craft such fishing, wooden activity such wooden chair, beds and
others activities like commerce
example
Religion:
the
majority of the population (i.e. 85 percent) identifies themselves as Muslims
whiles 8 percent of the people are Christians and 7 percent practice
traditional religions. Most of the Christians are Roman Catholics. Friday
prayers are widely attended and Muslim holidays such as fasting month and (EID
Al-Adha) is observed in my hometown Conakry.
Festivals
Observed in Conakry:
In the city all the festivals are widely celebrated by all
citizen irrespective of their faith, since the Muslim are majority two Muslim
celebration ( EiD al-Fitri and EiD Al Adha)
are well celebrated up to 4 days respectively. Similarly, Christian’s festivals
such as Christmas and news year day are celebrated as in like manner.
Conclusion
In
conclusion, Conakry was founded in year 1880 at the time when it was lying on Tumbo
Island and the “Comapyennes Peninsula”. Although, the population of the town is
heterogeneous, Islam is the dominating faith. The people of Conakry have mutual
respect for one another. Thus, any body that has travelled to Conakry will have
green memories of admiration to remember the town and as well describe it
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