From a geostrategic position to an urban node: the urban form of Nampula, Mozambique

Abstract

In the 19th century in the aftermath of the Berlin Conference (1885) the Portuguesecolonial administration changed its approach to territorial occupation in its African colonies. Until then, and besides a few exceptions, the colonization of African territories was mainly coastal. Each citywas intendedas a large warehouse in a strategic location, both forthe commerce with the African hinterland as well as a supplyfor the long-range vessels that connected Lisbon to India, in the Portuguese territories of Goa, Damão and Diu.It changed when european powers were compelled to build a network of towns in all the parcels of the African terriories that they claimed. In Mozambiquetheterritorial limits of this colony was in dispute between some European colonial powers, questioning its dimension and thePportugueseability to control itsinhabitants. In 1907 a military force occupied the plateau and built a military base to secure the region. It became one of the most important military basesin the territory and a key-factor to the pacification of the region during more than half a century and, later, had a key-role in colonial war.The city of Nampulaurbanization and their essential morphology structure, namely the urban traced, was determined by the militaryand definedaccording with a strategic vision for the region.