1850 Yamsé Ghoon Riots Explained

1850 Yamsé Ghoon Riots
Date:	November 1850
Place:	Port Louis, Mauritius
Causes:	Ethnic tensions between Muslims and Creoles in Mauritius Political rivalries
Methods:	rioting, 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

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

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

Notes and References

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