The port of Massawa has been important to Eritrea since Ottoman rule. Massawa was the capital of the Italian Colony of Eritrea until this was moved to Asmara in 1897.
I have just bought this photograph of the Bazaar, which comes with this caption:
Italian Colony may be war zone.
The new Bazaar at Massawa in Eritrea. The Italian colony in Africa which may be the scene of fighting if friction increases between Italy and Abyssinia. Italy alleges that Abyssinians have attacked the frontiers of Eritrea and has demanded satisfaction.
Dated: 31/1/35
Good memories, eating fresh fish at a street corner, surrounded by cats looking for left overs. We had to bring our own wines. The destroyed palace of Haile Selassie. And from Massawa to the islands for the weekend. We had to bring everything as there were no facilities, sleeping at the beacb, watching the beautiful and clear sky with all the stars, improvised bbq and snorkling and divjng watching colourful fishes.
Great photo Martin – thanks. Who built it? Is it still standing? I was part of the UN/FAO/food programme convoy from Asmara down to Massawa at the end of the war and didn’t see anything like this. Diving in the Red Sea was extraordinary – a real treasure trove.