Myanmar Sittwe, also known as Akyab, is the capital of Rakhine State in western Myanmar. It is located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal and is the largest city in the state. Sittwe has a long and fascinating history, one that is closely intertwined with the larger history of Myanmar. This article will explore the history of Sittwe in depth, from its pre-colonial origins to its current status as a bustling port city.
The earliest inhabitants of Sittwe were the Pyu people, who settled in the area around the 3rd century BCE. The Pyu were a Buddhist people who built cities and irrigation systems in the area. They also developed a writing system, which is the oldest known writing system in Myanmar. The Pyu were eventually assimilated into the larger Burmese culture, and their writing system disappeared.
In the 8th century, the Mon people arrived in the area and established the city of Thaton. This city became an important trading center, and was the capital of the Mon kingdom until it was conquered by the Burmese in the 11th century. The Burmese then established the city of Akyab, which became the capital of the Arakan kingdom. The city was known as Akyab until the British colonized the area in the 19th century, at which point it was renamed Sittwe.
During the colonial period, Sittwe became an important port city. It served as a gateway for trade between India and Burma, and was the main port of entry for the British in the region. It was also a major center of the opium trade, as well as a hub for the timber industry.
After independence in 1948, Sittwe remained an important port city, but its economic importance declined due to the closure of the opium trade and the decline of the timber industry. The city was also the site of a major refugee crisis in 1978, when hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims fled to Sittwe from Bangladesh.
Today, Sittwe is a bustling port city, with a population of over 200,000. It serves as an important trading hub, and is home to a diverse population of Buddhists, Muslims, and Hindus. The city is also home to a number of ancient temples and monuments, as well as a number of museums and other cultural attractions.
Myanmar Sittwe has a long and fascinating history, one that is closely intertwined with the larger history of Myanmar. From its pre-colonial origins to its current status as a bustling port city, Sittwe has played an important role in the history of the region. This article has explored the history of Sittwe in depth, and has provided a glimpse into its past and present.