Pate
Pate Island is home to numerous historical sites including Pate Town, Siyu, Mtangawanda and Faza. All these settlements remain inhabited, with the major commerce coming from fishing and mangrove felling. At present the level of research, and attempts at preserving these once great Swahili city-states, is minimal. However it is hoped that with increased tourism, and outside interest in the area, this situation will change.
According to the Chronicle of Pate, Pate Town was founded during the early years of Islam by Arab immigrants. However the main power on the island has always been believed to be Siyu. Siyu Town was established in the 15th century, and has been famous as a centre of Islamic scholarship and crafts since this time. At its peak between the 17th and 19th centuries Siyu had around 30,000 inhabitants and as such was the largest settlement on the island. At present less than 4,000 people live and work in Siyu, and it is unlikely that the town will reclaim its former glory. Siyu is dominated by the Siyu Fort, which hugs the waterfronts and remains a remarkably striking structure. Siyu's demise came in 1847 when the Sultan of Oman, then based in Zanzibar, sent his troops to occupy the area after the conflict between Pate and Lamu resulted in a Lamu victory; Lamu had been supported by the Sultan during that time.
Paté's current largest settlement is Faza, and it is here that the district headquarters is based. In the 13th century Faza was almost entirely destroyed by Pate, and in the 16th century was attacked once again, this time by the Portuguese who invaded n 1586. After this event Faza aligned itself with the Portuguese and used this partnership to attempt to subdue Pate. In a similar vein as Lamu, Faza's eventual demise is linked to the decline of slavery. This was soon replaced with its status as an administrative centre, allowing the town to retain some of its life that has been so lost at Paté Town.
Faza's has only one historic site, the ruined Kunjanja Mosque on the creek adjacent to the district headquarters. Although now in ruins it is still possible to see a beautifully carved mihrab and Arabic inscriptions. Just outside the town is the tomb of Amir Hamad, who was the commander of the Sultan of Oman's forces, and was killed in 1844 during the Siyu-Pate campaign.
Pate and Faza both offer accommodation, although you will find that these are predominately family residences providing a bed and some food. Travel to the island is from motor launch at Lamu jetty. Boats continue around from Pate to Faza and Siyu, where transfer to smaller boats will take you to shore. Returning from the island it is best to ask locally for information on boats and tides.
Shanga
Of the over 120 historic sites along the Kenyan coast, the oldest have been recorded in the Lamu Archipelago, with the earliest known site attributed to the ruins at Shanga, in the southwest of Pate Island. Shanga was first settled between the 8th and 9th centuries, being eventually abandoned in the 14th century. Since this time Shanga has remained unoccupied, and unaltered by human intervention. As such the standing remains entirely reflect their last inhabitants.
Lamu Museum, in conjunction with National Museums of Kenya, is currently exploring possibilities with respect to making the site more accessible to visitors.