Dakar is the capital of Senegal. Dakar, one of the most populous cities in Africa, is the political, economic, commercial, cultural and religious center of Senegal. It has an important place in international air and sea transportation. For centuries it has been an important milestone in maritime traffic in the triangle of Europe-Africa-America.
Dakar is located on the peninsula of Cap-Vert, which is considered the most extreme point of West Africa.
When did Dakar Become the Capital?
The first European power to come to Dakar was Portugal. A village was established in 1444 when the Portuguese started trading on the island of Gorée. After the Portuguese, the Dutch and finally the French took over the region. Built-in 1862, the port increased the importance of the city and European merchants began to settle in Dakar. The naval base built by the French increased the military importance of the city. In 1909, the Ottoman Empire established an honorary consulate in Dakar. Opened in 1924, the Bamako Dakar Railway further increased the commercial importance of the city.
After a long period of French colonial rule, Dakar became the capital of the Financial Federation and the capital of the Republic of Senegal from 20 May 1960.
Features of Dakar
Dakar has a population of 1.15 million according to 2013 data. Dakar has an area of 83 square kilometers. Dakar is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in the tropical climate zone, where hot weather always prevails. The months of July, August, and September in Dakar are months of extreme temperatures and rainfall in the city. In Dakar, where the average temperature is 24 degrees all year round, October is the hottest month with 28 degrees. In November, temperatures start to fall and precipitation starts to decrease.
The people living in Dakar belong to various ethnic groups. Europeans make up 8% of the city’s population. Only one-quarter of the people living in the city were born in Dakar.
The French influence, which has influenced almost every area of the country, manifests itself in the cuisine of Dakar, which is located just off the Atlantic Ocean. Rice is also consumed intensively in almost every meal where the seafood comes first. Meat and vegetable products are also very popular. Especially the seafood made with coconut and banana are the tastes to be tasted.
Dakar, özellikle yerel pazarlarıyla alışveriş için size oldukça fazla seçenek sunmaktadır. Bu pazarlarda Afrika’nın birbirinden güzel kumaşlardan dikilmiş kıyafetlere ve yöresel elbiselere ulaşıp hem kendinize hem de sevdiklerinize çok değişik hediyeler almanız mümkündür.
Important Places to See in Dakar
In Dakar, which gained its independence from France in 1960, the French influence continues to be felt in every field. There are many mosques, masjids, cathedrals, and churches in the city, as well as monuments of slavery and colonialism. There are also many important museums that reflect African culture. Another beauty of Dakar is its nature. Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the city has vast beaches and many natural beauties around it.
Step into Goree Island, about 2 kilometers off the Dakar capital of Senegal, you can see the traces of the slavery. Here at the House of Slaves an impressive time trip will await you. It is recommended to see the natural beauties, especially Pink Lake, just north of Dakar, and make a mini safari in the Reserve De Bandia, just around the city. The IFAN African Arts Museum, which includes many of the continent’s parts, the Independence Square, the African Renaissance Monument, the Grand Mosque of Dakar, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories, is one of the most important places to visit in Dakar.