1850 Yamsé Ghoon Riots

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
1850 Yamsé Ghoon Riots
DateNovember 1850
Location
Caused byEthnic tensions between Muslims and Creoles in Mauritius
Political rivalries
Methodsrioting, assault, destruction of property

The 1850 Yamsé Ghoon Riots refer to violent clashes which erupted in Port Louis, the capital of British Mauritius in November 1850.[1]

Clash of ethnic groups[edit]

Muslims of Indian ancestry were commemorating the Mourning of Muharram in the form of an annual procession in the suburb of Port Louis which was known as Camp Des Malabars (or Plaine Verte nowadays).[2][3] The event was also known as Yamsé or Ghoon.[4][5][6] However they were attacked by former slaves of Creole origins, also known as ex-apprentices. The Muslims were forced to abandon their Ghoon structures or Ta'zieh as they were chased around the streets in broad daylight by the Creole assailants.[7]

Aftermath of riots[edit]

Several fatalities were reported. However the inaction of the Chief of Police Charles Anderson was criticised.[8]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Riot in The Mauritius". Trove. National Library of Australia. Retrieved 2021-07-02.
  2. ^ "Truth and Justice Commission 2011 Report Volume 1" (PDF). Page 174. Government of Mauritius. Retrieved 2021-07-02.
  3. ^ Kalla, Abdul Cader. "Muharram Performences in Mauritius 1780-2010". Academia. Retrieved 2021-07-02.
  4. ^ "Ghoon celebration in Mauritius". Retrieved 2021-07-02.
  5. ^ "Yamse festival in Mauritius". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 2021-07-02.
  6. ^ Toorab, Reshad. "Célébration du Yamse : Moidine Lindor, le doyen, perpétue la tradition". Defimedia. Retrieved 2016-10-16.
  7. ^ "Riot in The Mauritius". Trove. National Library of Australia. Retrieved 2021-07-02.
  8. ^ "Riot in The Mauritius". Trove. National Library of Australia. Retrieved 2021-07-02.