Ports as bridges between civilisations

Ports, particularly the Port of Saint Louis founded in 1659, serve as critical bridges between civilizations by facilitating interactions among diverse peoples and cultures. This study challenges conventional narratives of colonial African development by analyzing the complex interrelationships between ports and their shifting hinterlands. It reveals that multiple forces—including colonial administrations, commercial companies, indigenous political authorities, religious leaders, trading networks, local communities, and households—shaped spatial organization in Senegal's regions. The dynamic relationship between Senegalese port-cities and their hinterlands reflects broader colonial policies driven by economic, political, and social objectives. By examining these interactions, the research offers a nuanced understanding of how ports functioned as cultural and economic hubs, linking Africa to global networks.

Bruschi, F. (2022). Ports as bridges between civilisations. Port-Cities and Their Hinterlands, 230–255. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429202254-9