Gondershe (/ˈgɒndərˈʃeɪ/), also known as (Gandershe Somali pronunciation: [gõnd̪eːrʃe], گندىرشى Somali pronunciation: [gandeːrʒe]; or El Torreh Somali pronunciation: [eɫ t̪oːr̩a] Al-Toureh Arabic pronunciation: [at.tuːrah], Arabic: التوره, romanized: At-Tūrah; Swahili: Gonderashe Swahili pronunciation: [gondeɾaːʃiː]) ; is an ancient landmark on the Somali Sea, it was one of most important districts of Geledi sultanate's in the past history as well as a town, the residence of gendershe is belong to Gendershe in the Lower Shabelle region of Southwest State of Somalia.[1] It is noted for its various historical structures.
Gondershe
Gondeershe El Torreh | |
---|---|
Town | |
Gondershe | |
Coordinates: 1°47′55″N 44°54′28″E / 1.79861°N 44.90778°E [2] | |
Country | Somalia |
State | South West |
Region | Lower Shabelle |
Time zone | UTC+3 (EAT) |
Gondershe is situated about 35 kilometers northeast of Merca and about 30 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu.[3][4]
It is an ancient stone city built on a coastal promontory. The town's ruins consist of typical Somali architecture, such as coral stone houses, fortifications, tombs and mosques. The town contains a shrine to Aw Usman Garweeyne (Garweyne).[5]
The town is said to date from the medieval Ajuran period, when it became a center of trade that handled smaller vessels sailing from India, Arabia, Persia and the Far East. This is supported by early maps, and an initial archaeological survey.[6]
Gondershe later evolved into a popular tourist attraction during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. The film La Conchiglia (1992) by the award-winning Somali filmmaker Abdulkadir Ahmed Said was also shot here, and features the town's local residents.[7]