Reviving the Ancient Port of Suakin: A Vision for Tourism in Sudan

The mayor of Suakin envisions a revival for his town, an ancient Red Sea port that has weathered wars but fallen into disrepair over time.

Known as the 'White City' for its unique coral stone buildings, Suakin was once a thriving tourist hub. Mayor Abu Mohamed El-Amin Artega, leader of the Artega tribe, laments the town's decline as it has been largely forgotten amidst the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

Despite its challenges, restoration efforts are underway. A dedicated crew is rebuilding a mosque, aiming to restore a piece of Suakin's rich history more than a century after the city was abandoned.

Engineer Ahmed Bushra notes, "Before the war, a lot of tourists visited us. We hope that when peace is restored, they will return to enjoy our beautiful historical buildings."

Architecture student Doha Abdelaziz Mohamed, involved in the restoration, expresses her admiration for the town's architecture, which showcases techniques long forgotten.

For centuries, Suakin served as a vital transit point for traders and pilgrims, flourishing under the Ottoman Empire. However, the establishment of a new port in Port Sudan in 1905 led to its decline as merchants migrated.

In 2017, a glimmer of hope emerged when the government granted a Turkish company a 99-year lease for development. Projects began but stalled after political upheaval in 2019.

Today, a modern transport company operates daily crossings from Suakin, linking it to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Yet, the hope of a tourism resurgence is hindered by the current conflicts, which have seen the disappearance of cruise passengers and divers.

Despite these setbacks, Bushra remains optimistic about the future. He envisions a traditional music festival at the renovated mosque, hoping it will attract tourists once again.

"When we finish the restoration, tourists can return to enjoy Suakin's heritage," he said.