Italian Somalia

Italian colonial development (1920–1936)

The fascist government of Italy main goal was to colonise Italian Somalia's southern tribes and northern Muslims sultanates. After the end of the Dervish war, this event altered Italy's approach to the colony. The fascist government ordered occupation of all Somalia by force through the Royal Corps of Colonial Troops, which led to armed resistance movements across the country. Following a two year long Somali resistance, in late 1927 Italy finally extended authority across the entire territory. In 1928, the Italian authorities built the Mogadishu Cathedral (Cattedrale di Mogadiscio). It was constructed in a NormanGothic style, based on the Cefalù Cathedral in Cefalù, Sicily. Following its establishment, Umberto, Prince of Piedmont, the heir apparent to the Italian throne, made his first publicized visit to Mogadishu. To commemorate the visit, the Arch of Umberto was constructed. The arch was built at the center of Mogadishu Garden. The Mogadishu International Airport was constructed that same year. The facility was regarded as one of the finest in the region.