There are many reasons I love history. Top on the list is that it makes us, even literally. Failing to remember history could also mean that we get to relive it. One is certain to get a better understanding of themselves, and our common humanity – which is essentially the reason we (should) live.

So, once in a while I visit places with evidence of history. Jumba ruins is such a place. This is one of my best places in Mtwapa.

A little background of the site. The place was referred to as “Jumba la Mtwana”, which is Swahili for “The large House of the Slave”. It was gazetted as a National Monument in 1982. The notable structures are: a tomb, four houses, and four mosques.

Apparently it was a town, that is dated to the 14^th century. There are a number of early white and blue porcelain – these justify the dating, according to historians that is.

To be fair, this place is more mysterious than historical. The town just disappeared. There is no evidence of what happened to them.

As is the case with most structures in Mombasa, the influence of the Arabic culture is undeniable.

 

 

The beach there is incredible, and very isolated.

 

Maybe it’s the mystery, or the ocean, or the forest. But one thing is for sure, Jumba ruins is certainly worth a visit.

Shout out to their descendants 😛 I think unlike us, they planted trees and littered less. I was just mean with the forest pics 🙂

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Cheers to disappearing!