On Sudan’s Red Sea coast, about 36 miles south of Port Sudan, lies the abandoned town of Suakin. Once a bustling port, it is now a crumbling ghost town. Its coral stone ruins stand silently, telling stories of wealth, power, and forgotten civilizations.
Suakin was born in the 12th century. By the 15th century, it had grown into a major trading hub after its rival port, Aidhab, fell. Its location made it a key link between Africa and Arabia. At its peak, Suakin was rich and powerful. Its buildings—made from carved coral stone—included grand palaces, mosques, and merchant houses. The gleaming white structures earned it the name “Venice of Africa.”
Ivory, gold, and spices flowed through Suakin, bringing immense wealth. But the good times didn’t last. As the ivory trade declined, so did the town. Shipbuilding, farming, and commerce suffered.
Over the centuries, control of Suakin changed hands. The Ottomans ruled it in the 1500s. Later, Egypt took over in the 1800s. But in the early 20th century, a new port—Port Sudan—was built nearby. With its deeper harbor, it quickly replaced Suakin as the region’s main trading center.
By the 1920s, Suakin was nearly empty. Coral growth blocked its harbor. People left. Today, only ruins remain. A narrow causeway still connects the island to the mainland, but most buildings have collapsed.
Now, the ruins attract curious visitors and pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia. The broken walls and sunken roofs create a haunting beauty. Local legends say King Solomon once trapped demons here. Others speak of kings who lived in luxury with huge harems.
Sudan’s government is now working to protect Suakin’s remains. Guards watch over the site, and access is limited. The once-great port, now a shadow of its past, waits silently by the Red Sea.
