Fort Jesus

　　Introduction    Fort Jesus is located at the southeastern tip of Mombasa Island. The opening of new sea routes connecting the East and the West led to the booming of international trade and maritime transport. As an important supply point and cargo hub along these routes, Mombasa became a target of contention. In 1589, the Ottoman Empire sent an expeditionary force to occupy Mombasa and built a fort there. In 1593, the Portuguese captured Mombasa and constructed a larger fortress on the harbor promontory to overlook and control the port. Since Portuguese missionaries also traveled with merchant ships to preach, the new fortress was named Fort Jesus. The fort is shaped like a giant “H,” measuring over 100 meters in length and about 80 meters in width. Its walls, built on coral rock, stand 15 meters high and are 2.4 meters thick. The main gate is studded with iron spikes about 10 centimeters long to prevent elephant charges. In 1696, the Sultan of Oman began besieging the fort, and after two years and nine months of resistance, the Portuguese surrendered.  In 1958, the ancient fort was converted into a museum, showcasing historical photos and artifacts related to East Africa and the Age of Exploration. Some relics from China are also on display, such as porcelain plates and vases fired during the Xuande era of the Ming Dynasty. Research suggests that Zheng He’s voyages to the Western Seas also reached Mombasa, and these artifacts were likely left behind during that time.

　　 Mombasa, Kenya