Gedi Ruins is a Gem!

Gedi Ruins is a Gem!

Everything you've learnt about civilization especially in Africa, needs to be revisited. Gedi Ruins tells a different story in regards to how cities were planned and built. The level of workmanship, architectural detailing and understanding of how to design their buildings was way ahead of its time!

The water well near the mosque. Water could be drawn and used for cleaning oneself before entering the mosque to worship, then relying on percolation, water would filter back into the well, a continuous system that ensured none was wasted and the water was recycled.

The mosque itself had an area built into the wall where the person leading the prayer would speak into thus amplifying the sound!

The palace... An air cooling system akin to the AC was installed at the entrance area where guests waited before being ushered in to see the king. It made use of underground water combined with air blown into and out of holes dug into the ground.

There exists a hand washing basin installed that existed in the 15th Century!

I was surprised at how money was developed into the paper money as well as the cashless system we now enjoy... From barter trading, cowrie shells, coins with holes in them, etc.

These and so much more rich history awaits you on your visit to the place.

Needless to say, no local would cut a baobab tree willingly. So be sure to ask the guides about this saying, "Kila shetani na mbuyu wake" (Swahili), or "Every devil has its own baobab tree". Needless to say Gedi ruins has some interesting stories in regard to those who defied this saying.

The guides are friendly, knowledgeable about the place and will be glad to answer your questions.

I only wish I had visited the place earlier in the day and explored it more.