The History of Djibouti brings out various facts about the country that will help you to understand the origin of their culture and tradition. A former French colony, the Republic of Djibouti gained its independence on June 27, 1977. Djibouti is a part of “French Somaliland", which was afterwards known as the "French Territory of the Afars and Issas". French Somaliland, created in the first half of the 19th century, was the result of French interest in the ‘Horn of Africa’. However, the History of Djibouti recorded in verses and songs of the wandering tribes can be traced thousands of years back when the people of Djibouti shared trade relationships with the people of China, India and Egypt.
Ancient History of Djibouti
Historical Facts about Djibouti reveal that thousands of years ago Djiboutians traded animal skins for perfumes and spices from Egypt, China and India. Due to their close contact with the people of Arabian Peninsula for over thousand years the Somali and Afar tribes of Djibouti were the first in Africa to accept Islam. Today Djibouti is an Islamic nation that regularly participates in Islamic affairs of Arab countries.
French Colony in Djibouti
The exploration of Rochet d'Hericourt in Shoa on Red Sea coast marks the beginning of French colonialism in Africa in 1839. Further explorations by the French people resulted in the treaty of ‘friendship and assistance’ between France and the sultans of Tadjoura, Raheita and Gobaad. In 1862 the French purchased the port of Obock from the sultans. Later in 1896, the administrative capital of French protectorate in eastern Africa was moved to the city of Djibouti from Obock. The strategic position of Djibouti city used to attract trade caravans crossing East Africa hence could make it an ideal trading center.
The Impact of World War II
Before the World War II the Italians invaded Ethiopia in the 1930s. The French Somaliland became a subject to constant scuffles between the French and the Italian forces during the World War II. Finally the Italian force was defeated by the British and Commonwealth Forces in 1941 and the French and Allied forces regained the possession over French colony in East Africa. A native troop from French Somaliland took part in the battle of liberation of France in 1944.
According to Djibouti Historical Facts, on July 22, 1957, a reformation of French colony resulted in self-government of the colony. In a constitutional referendum in September, 1958 French Somaliland was entitled as an overseas territory of France. This incident can be considered as a turning point in the History of Djibouti. In 1967, French Somaliland was changed to ‘French Territory of the Afars and Issas’. Finally, after passing of several laws and directives the much-desired independence came in June, 1977 when the Republic of Djibouti was founded and Hassan Gouled Aptidon was elected as the first president of the country. All these facts about Djibouti will make you acquainted with the country.
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