The Colonial Legacy of Somalia and Its Unlikely Romance with Italy

Are you curious about why Somalia is not currently a colony of Italy, as Eritrea and Ethiopia once were? To delve into this intriguing historical question, it's essential to explore the complex colonial past of the Horn of Africa. While Italy indeed held sway over parts of this region, the reasons for the differing colonial experiences of Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia are rich in nuance and history.

Colonial Dynamics in the Horn of Africa

The Italian colonial experience in the Horn of Africa was marked by rapid conquest and a relatively short tenure. Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1935, amidst the interwar period of the early 20th century. Ethiopia, with its strong sense of national identity and successful resistance, remained under Italian rule until 1941, making the colonial experience of Eritrea and Ethiopia distinctly brief.

Somalia, on the other hand, faced a different fate. The Somaliland region, which now forms the northeastern part of Somalia, was under British administration. The rest of Somalia experienced Italian colonial rule, extending from 1920 to 1960, marking a slightly longer Italian presence in the region. This prolonged period of Italian influence left an indelible mark on Mogadishu, which today remains architecturally reminiscent of an Italian city, with the presence of traditional piazzas and colonial buildings.

Italian Influence in Somalia

The Italian colonial legacy in Somalia is most evident in Mogadishu. The city's architecture, which includes UNESCO-recognized landmarks, is a testament to the lasting impact of the Italian colonial period. Tripoli, Libya, and Asmara in Eritrea also show the significant influence of Italian colonialism, with distinct architectural styles and urban planning. Mogadishu's street grids, public parks, and civic buildings reflect the modern architectural sensibilities of the 1930s and 1940s, making it a city that feels distinctly Italian in its charm and design.

Conclusion: The Unique Colonial Experience of Somalia

While Eritrea and Ethiopia faced prolonged periods of Italian occupation, Somalia's colonial history is more complex. The division within Somalia, with the British administering much of the northern region, meant that the country did not experience the same level of Italian colonial presence or influence as its neighboring states. This absence of a continuous and extensive Italian colonial rule explains why Somalia is not currently a colony of Italy.

Despite this, the legacy of Italian colonialism in Somalia endures. The architectural remnants, cultural practices, and linguistic influences in the country serve as a living testament to the enduring impact of Italian colonialism in the Horn of Africa. Mogadishu's Italian-style piazzas and buildings remind us of a period that significantly shaped the city and the broader national identity of Somalia.