Takwa

Takwa is an archaeological site located on the south side of Manda Island in Kenya's coastal province. Established around 1500 CE, Takwa was a small settlement likely serving as a retreat for religious individuals. Notable features include a well-preserved Great Mosque and a unique Pillar Tomb inscribed with the date 1681–1682 CE. The site was abandoned around 1700 CE, with inhabitants reportedly relocating to Shela on Lamu Island. The Takwa Ruins, significant for understanding the region's religious and cultural history, were declared a Kenyan National Monument in 1982. The site's architectural remains provide insight into the Swahili culture and its historical context within the Early Modern Period.