Exploring the African History in Dakar, Senegal

Dakar is the social and economic hub of western Africa and is home to arguably the most friendly people of the region. Its nightlife is said to be one of the liveliest in the continent and lately, it has also become a paradise for the artists and art lovers from around Africa because of the Senegalese government’s immense efforts for promoting the African arts. But the real attraction of the city for me is the efforts put in by the authorities to preserve the history of the country and of the continent as a whole which also included some not so bright chapters as well. The city also has some gorgeous beaches which provide an excellent setting for a relaxing vacation. Recently the tourist traffic to the city has increased quite a bit and this has resulted in a visible improvement in the tourism infrastructure of Dakar.

The city is the economic nerve centre of the country and the region so you will find its streets bustling with life. You can get a cheap flight to Dakar from most of the major European airports. As said earlier Dakar has an excellent tourism infrastructure so finding a hotel according to your taste and budget will not be a problem. You can start your tour of the city by paying a visit to the famous IFAN Museum of African Arts which is evident to the interest of the Senegalese authorities in the promotion of the African arts and culture. The museum holds pieces of arts from many different countries of Africa and also has separate sections for showcasing the culture of the neighbouring countries.

The African Renaissance Monument has recently become the symbol of the city of Dakar. This colossal monument was made by the North Koreans and was sent to Senegal as a friendship gift. The monument depicts the emergence of the African continent as a free region that has broken the shackles of slavery and western colonialism. The monument received mixed reviews from different African countries while some praises as a symbol of new Africa others call it a Stalinist monument and entirely un-African. Regardless of this gigantic monument which is taller than the famous statue of liberty in New York is a must-see attraction of Dakar.

Another historical place worth visiting is the famous Ille de Goree, the small island fortress that served as the hub for the slave trade in the region and showcases the dark chapters of Senegal’s history. The fortress was built in the 16^th century by the Portuguese and it played a massive role in the enslavement of millions of locals throughout the latter two centuries. The museum called the House of Slaves receives thousands of tourists each year and has a large collection of artefacts and written documents from the slave trade era. The museum also includes a section which depicts the living condition of the slaves in the prisons of the fortress. The fortress is in a pretty good shape and will also provide you with an insight into the architectural trends of that era.