Sittwe: A Maritime Crossroads

⚔️ Early Conflicts and Conquest

The site of modern Sittwe was a critical location during the 1784 Burmese conquest of the Kingdom of Mrauk U. A significant battle occurred at the mouth of the Kaladan River, resulting in the defeat of the Arakanese forces and paving the way for the fall of Mrauk U, thus ending Arakanese independence.⁶

🇬🇧 British Colonial Era

Following the First Anglo-Burmese War, the British established Sittwe (then Akyab) as the administrative capital of Arakan in 1826, choosing it over the less healthy Mrauk U.⁴ Under British rule, it developed into a vital port, particularly for rice exports, and grew significantly in population.⁵

🌍 World Wars and Modern Conflicts

During World War II, Sittwe served as a key strategic location in the Burma Campaign due to its airfield and deepwater port, witnessing numerous battles.⁴ More recently, Sittwe has been impacted by internal conflicts, including the ongoing civil war, with Arakan Army forces surrounding the city and controlling much of Rakhine State. As of early 2024, Sittwe remains one of the few major towns under the control of the ruling military junta.²¹²

✊ Political and Social Context

Sittwe is recognized as the birthplace of political monks in Myanmar, notably U Ottama, who initiated protests against British colonial rule. The city's monastic community has also been central to recent anti-government movements, including the 2007 Saffron Revolution.¹¹ Since 2012, tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have been housed in internally displaced persons camps near Sittwe, facing significant restrictions and poor living conditions.¹⁶¹⁷

ethnicity Ethnic Composition

The primary ethnic group residing in Sittwe is the Rakhine people. The city's population also includes a significant number of Rohingya Muslims and Burmese individuals from other regions of the country.^{[citation needed]}

🕌 Religious and Population Data

As of 2019, official data indicated a substantial population of "Bangladeshi foreigners" within the Sittwe metropolitan area, exceeding the number of Rakhine residents in the township. Consequently, a majority of the township's population adheres to Islam. The city itself is predominantly inhabited by followers of Theravada Buddhism and Islam.¹

⚖️ Social Dynamics and Displacement

The Rohingya Muslim quarter, formerly known as Aung Mingala, was affected by communal violence in October 2012. Since 2012, the government has housed many Rohingya in internally displaced persons camps, where they face severe restrictions and limited access to essential resources.¹¹ Human rights organizations have documented the spread of anti-Muslim violence, sometimes with the involvement of state authorities.¹⁷

📍 Scenic and Cultural Sites

• Viewpoint (The Point): Located at the end of Strand Road, offering views of the Bay of Bengal and the Kaladan River estuary.
• Shwezedi Monastery: A historic monastery, notable as the former residence of the influential political monk U Ottama.
• Sittwe Pharagri: A significant Buddhist site adjacent to Shwezedi Monastery.
• Ahkyaib-daw Pagoda: Considered one of the most sacred pagodas, believed to house a relic of the Buddha's maxillary bone.
• Rakhine State Cultural Museum: Showcasing exhibits on the region's culture and history.
• Lawkananda Pagoda: Identified as one of the largest Buddhist temples in Sittwe.

🏟️ Football Stadiums

Sittwe is home to the Wai Thar Li Stadium, a 7,000-seat venue that serves as the home ground for Rakhine United F.C., a participant in the Myanmar National League. Additionally, Dhanyawaddy Stadium hosts Arakan United FC of the Myanmar Amateur League.

📜 References