Exploring Gedi Ruins – An Ancient Swahili Trading Port
Gedi Ruins is an ancient town located in the Kenyan Coast about 24 km south of Malindi. It was once a bustling port town, founded by the Swahili people between the 13th and 15th centuries. It is now a popular tourist attraction, with its intriguing ruins, intricate mosques, and well-preserved artifacts. Here is a guide to exploring Gedi Ruins and learning more about its rich history.
What is Gedi Ruins?
Gedi Ruins is a historical site located in the Kenyan Coast, near the town of Malindi. It was once a thriving Swahili trading port, with a population of up to 2,000 people. It is believed to have been founded in the 13th century and abandoned in the 15th century. The ruins of the town, which cover an area of about 100 acres, include mosques, tombs, houses, and palaces. They are an important part of Kenya’s cultural heritage and are now a popular tourist attraction.
History of Gedi Ruins
Gedi Ruins was founded by the Swahili people, a group of Bantu-speaking people who lived along the East African coast. It is believed to have been established in the 13th century and flourished until the 15th century. The town was an important trading port and a center of Islamic learning. It was also known for its elaborate architecture and its intricate mosques. The town was eventually abandoned in the 15th century for unknown reasons.
What to See at Gedi Ruins
Gedi Ruins is a fascinating site to explore, with its well-preserved ruins and artifacts. The ruins cover an area of about 100 acres, and are divided into two distinct areas: the Inner Town and the Outer Town. The Inner Town was the residential area of the town and it is filled with ruins of houses, palaces, and tombs. The Outer Town was the commercial area of the town and it is filled with ruins of mosques, markets, and warehouses.
The ruins also feature intricate carvings and stonework, which are a testament to the skill of the Swahili craftsmen. There are also several artifacts on display, including coins, pottery, jewelry, and tools. These artifacts give visitors an insight into the lives of the Swahili people who once lived in the town.
Getting to Gedi Ruins
Gedi Ruins is located about 24 km south of Malindi. The easiest way to get there is to take a taxi from Malindi, which will cost around $20. Alternatively, there are several tour companies that offer day trips to the ruins. These trips usually cost around $60 and include transportation and a guided tour of the ruins.
Conclusion
Gedi Ruins is an intriguing historical site located in the Kenyan Coast. It was once a thriving Swahili trading port, with a population of up to 2,000 people. Today, the ruins of the town are a popular tourist attraction, with its fascinating ruins, intricate mosques, and well-preserved artifacts. Visiting Gedi Ruins is a great way to learn more about the rich history of the Swahili people and to explore the fascinating ruins of this ancient town.