Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, is in Nigeria’s south-central region. The Efik language gave it the name Akwa Akpa, but Europeans renamed it Old Calabar. The city is on the banks of the Cross River’s Calabar and Great Kwa rivers and creeks. The city is known for its tranquil, clean atmosphere, well-kept landscape, safe environment, and, most significantly, a large variety of tourist attractions. If you are reading this post now, we will reveal 6 (six) interesting facts about Calabar history.
6 Interesting Facts about Calabar
Below, we provide you with six interesting facts about Calabar, the first capital city of Nigeria.
- The tribes on the Guinea Coast were given the name Calabar by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. The current residents of the district were unknown at the time. Due to a civil conflict between their kindred and the Ibibio in the early 18th century, the Efik people became a part of Calabar. As a result, they moved from the Niger River to the Cross River banks.
-
Calabar is one of Nigeria’s earliest commerce hubs, according to history. It was a popular location for the slave trade in the 17th century, as well as the seat of the European Administration in the Niger Delta until 1906.
-
Calabar was a significant port for the transit of African slaves as well as an international seaport for the export of products like palm oil.
-
The city was the birthplace of Nigeria’s first social club. In addition, it held Nigeria’s first competitive football, cricket, and field hockey events. Checkout 10 Best Hangout Spots in Owerri, Imo State
-
The city is recognised for having a plethora of humorous natural wonders that serve as tourist attractions. There is a Slave Museum, a Calabar Free Trade Zone, a Tourist Resort, a Calabar Port, University Campuses, an Obudu Cattle Ranch, a Mountain Resort, and many more attractions.
- It is recognised for its one-of-a-kind carnival celebration, which is billed as Africa’s greatest street cultural festival. The event takes place once a year, generally in December.
Source: Nyscinfo