ANTSIRANANA – DIEGO-SUAREZ
It is the largest city in the north of the island, located in the very beautiful Antsiranana Bay and is the capital of the Diana region. It’s the second largest bay in the world after Rio de Janeiro.
The original name of the city is “Antomboka”, the name of a river on the banks of which the former village was built (but no longer exists) and also means “hole”, probably due to this natural bay
It’s a city with a rich colonial past: its protected raft and deep-water natural port were very coveted especially in 1942, during the Second World War.
The city was founded by French settlers in the 19th century but human presence was already detected long before that.
The name of Diego-Suarez comes from those who discovered the island in the 16th century: the Portuguese Diego Diaz and Hernan Suarez. The city is essentially inhabited by the Antakarana and Sakalava.
After the explorers’ passage, Antsirabana Bay was occupied by a colony of French pirates who founded the imaginary republic “Libertalia”.
In 1885, a protectorate was signed allowing France to occupy the territory and in 1886, the city was named after Diego-Suarez. In 1900, it developed rapidly under the direction of General Joffre (construction of a military quarter and arsenal among others). Despite independence in 1960, the French army will be present until 1975 (the foreign legion left in 1974).
Angsiranana is composed of the old city, the new city with the old colonial districts and the new districts
Economically, some large local companies are active: SECREN, STAR, PFOI and the port ensure regional maritime exchanges and welcomes cruise ships as well. Because the city is a tourist destination: its many bays and surrounding islands (Nosy Hara, Sakalavas Bay, etc… ) make tourists happy without forgetting the proximity of the Amber Mountain National Park
The city itself offers architectural treasures and is well worth a visit.
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