Suakin

Suakin, also known as Sawakin, is a port city on the Red Sea coast of northeastern Sudan, located opposite Suakin Island and about 30 kilometers northeast of Port Sudan. It has long been associated with maritime trade in the Red Sea and played a prominent role in regional networks from medieval times onward.

Historically, Suakin reached its peak under the Funj sultanate from the 16th to the 19th centuries, serving as a key gateway for trade, pilgrims traveling to the holy sites, and other exchanges across the Indian Ocean. In the 19th century the town came under Ottoman-Egyptian influence, and its harbour, fortifications, and urban layout reflect that era. The old town is especially noted for its coral-stone architecture, narrow lanes, and mosques, which together bear witness to the town’s historical urban and religious life.

The city’s commercial prominence declined in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Port Sudan grew and global maritime routes shifted. Today Suakin remains a coastal town with fishing activity and a resident population that is much smaller than in its historic peak. Parts of the historic district have faced deterioration, but there are ongoing preservation and restoration efforts aimed at safeguarding its architectural and cultural heritage. Suakin remains an important site for understanding Red Sea trade networks, Islamic and maritime architecture, and the region’s historical urban development.