Manda Island - Takwa Ruins

The Takwa ruins on Manda Island was a flourishing town in the 16th and 17th C. It was abandoned in haste and no one knows why. Proof of its existence lie in the houses, mosque, pillar tomb and a city wall.

Jamaa Mosque is the largest surviving structure, with a large pillar on top the qibla wall. It is among the most notable features, although the significance of the pillar is not known, some believe there is a Sheikh buried below the wall.

It appears that Takwa was a holy city, as all doors faced Mecca. Some residents of Shela, who believe they are descendants of Takwa, still visit the ruins to pray.

Even though the ruins of Takwa are overgrown, it is well worth visiting.