مينائي مصوع و عصب : دراسة تاريخية

Abstract EN

This study will examine the political, strategic and economic significance of the two Eritrean ports of Mitsiwa and Assab.

the two ports are considered of the most important african ports along the northern-eastern side of the red sea’s coast.

they played a key role throughout different epochs; whether during the pre-European colonization or when control over Eritrea was globally contested.

the ports of Mitsiwa and Assab gained their importance according to that of the region in which they are located.

Eritrea was marked as a geographical entity since roman times when it was named red sea after the sea it borders.

its geographical location has indeed bestowed it its significance because it offered a main route for many trading convoys as well as a settlement place for others.

many powers ruled over Eritrea ; starting with the Muslims, then the Portuguese who took over at the beginning of the sixteens century, followed by the ottomans up until Italy took control over the country in 1885 and finally the British.

Eritrea then achieved self-rule under Ethiopian control, which lasted till1993 when the country gained independence as a state.

the port of Mitsiwa received its reputation after its region that is known for its inveterate commercial standing.

it was an attractive place for merchants and an important center for trade throughout history.

in that vein, the Italians called it the empire’s gate, and Egyptian authorities modernized it in 1867.

moreover, the British built a pier for the port in 1870, which the Italians renovated in 1935.

the port of Assab comes second after that of Mitsiwa in terms of importance.

it’s due to Italy that the two gained their status after it established a network of roads that connected the two ports with the rest of the country, which ultimately alleviated the country’s economy.

the two ports had geopolitical prominence that led to a global rivalry over their control, particularly during European colonization and the second world war.

in the time that followed, contestation shifted from seeking to control the ports into aiming to secure investment and usage contracts with local ruling authorities.