The city of Panama shares its name with the country this city is the capital of and the world-renowned Panama Canal. It is the narrowest trade route that connects the Caribbean Sea from the north to the Pacific Ocean from the south on either side aiding the USA or the entire West to trade around the world.
Panama has seen enormous wealth, due to its geographical importance, before the canal, it was a port for colonisers, which brought in modern advanced technology that further aided in the country’s development and abundance of wealth and resources.
With a population of around 4 million, the city has a mellow atmosphere, and tourists come not only for the tropical season but also for the seafood of Panama. The country is highly developed but still preserves a lot of the culture, architecturally and experientially via traditional delicacies and dances. Being surrounded by water on both ends, the city experiences dry and hot seasons all year around, seeing mainly warm and humid temperatures, not to mention heavy rainfalls. Panamanian coin currency is the Balboa, while they use Dollar notes are widely used regularly in the city due to their very collaborative history with the U.S.
The city has an interesting skyline, you see bridges and roads running over water, a modern high-rise skyline enveloping the orange terracotta roof homes, past nestles in the arms of the present and an age of the future of the city.
Political History
Panama’s political journey began with Spanish colonisation in the 1500s. Initially part of the Viceroyalty of Peru, Panama played a crucial role in transporting gold and silver to Spain during the Colombian gold rush. Despite Spanish dominance, native resistance persisted, and Panama faced threats from English rivals.
In 1821, Panama joined Colombia, but turmoil ensued, exacerbated by French attempts to build the Panama Canal, resulting in death and destruction. The US supported Panama’s rebellion, recognizing the strategic importance of the canal.
In 1903, Panama officially became independent from Colombia, marking a turning point in its history. Over the centuries, it has transitioned through various Colombian states, experiencing conflicts and civil wars.
By the 19th century, Spain’s power waned, leading to the independence of its colonies. Panama’s struggle for autonomy reflects this era of global change and marks its determination to control its destiny, culminating in the transfer of the Panama Canal to Panamanian hands in 1999, symbolising the nation’s triumph over external influence.
Various nations had long sought a canal in Central America for quicker access between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Panama, with its narrowness, was the prime location. The French attempted a canal in the 1800s, but it failed after Panama’s split from Colombia. Seizing the opportunity, the US, under President Teddy Roosevelt, supported Panama, leading to the construction of the canal from 1904 to 1914. This monumental project enhanced US wealth and power. However, the Panama Canal Zone remained under US control, upsetting Panama. Leader Omar Orejos negotiated its transfer, realised in 1999. Despite this, US involvement persisted, as seen in the 1989 invasion to depose Manuel Noriega. Post-independence, Panama underwent reforms, boosting its banking sector, leading to high human development, and making it a sought-after tourist destination.
Timeline of Panama and Architectural Influence
Before the 1500s, Indigenous tribes lived in their native ways Some researchers say 5,00,000 natives from some 60 tribes were Indians, while others say Cua alone numbered 7,50,000. While another group suggested not more than 100 people were there, too few moved out after the Spanish entered their territory in 1503 in the name of spreading Christianity, bringing with them various diseases that led to the deaths of some, while few left mixed in with the new colonised population.
A glimpse of Indigenous life is now available to be witnessed at Embera Quera, while the natives come from dangerously flooding and venomous forests of Darien Province, forming Embera Drua Village. This tribe doesn’t hunt anymore, due to a compromise made with the government of Panama for their protection; rather, tourism supports their lives due to some environmental or animal protection acts.
Several documentary creators, have shown that several people move from Darien Province due to hunger, and travel from Panama to the United States, risking their lives in its dangerous forests, It is believed that the forests of the place were the reason, Colombia couldn’t keep hold of Panama, and they had to take control after travelling through water from both the country itself and city.
Native Architecture: Indigenous people or villages in Panama make their homes or huts high above the ground due to heavy rainfall region and dense tropical forests and are completely open-sided, for proper ventilation in humid environments.
Various Coins, pottery, and tools collected from sites once occupied by natives are now in museums of Panama, especially one being found at the first settled colony of French and Spanish, which today houses various things. Let’s see further. Culturally, we can be sure there was not much difference between the simple lifestyle of our Indigenous ancestors, they depended on nature, for medicine and food, crafted, hunted, and sang until they were not invaded.
This takes us to old Panama, originally called Panama Viejo, which was settled in 1519 with about 9,000 people at its peak. Spanish came here to settle down due to the geographical importance of the place, which could help with their gold and silver trades
They had to find the Pacific Ocean and it was a myth back then and a man named Vasco Nunez de Balboa was the first to set eyes on the Pacific Ocean in 1513.
Now he was a governor at a settlement that was over Darian province, of what is today Panama, and it was over on the Caribbean, but from there he had talked as the Interim governor, He talked to the natives and they told him there’s lots of gold to the south and in search of gold, he headed south onto some incline where he was able to set eyes on the Pacific Ocean. He went all the way to the Pacific Ocean and claimed it all and all the lands surrounding this south sea for the Spanish. He was the first to see the Pacific Ocean, and in doing so, he became a hero because of that, people got jealous, and the later, governor of this province under the Spanish, Pedrarius, was his nickname, He trumped up charges of treason against them and got him hanged.
But it was because of this discovery in 1513 that this settlement, -Panama Viejo, eventually started in 1519.
This settlement was important to the Spanish because they were busy sacking South American places like the Incas in Peru, so all that gold and silver from Bolivia would come from South America and would pass through the isthmus of Panama, making cities like this one, very important and wealthy.
Oh, but with wealth comes pirates, The movie Dreamboat, starring Jonny Depp, is based on the reality of pirates. So, pirates used to park in the Caribbean and they would just sack all these boats, leaving with gold and silver All these things headed for Europe or other parts of the Caribbean so it’s the very real thing. People like Sir Francis Rake were actually buried at sea off the coast of Panama, and this town eventually fell in 1671 to a man named Captain Henry Morgan, (not the one on Florida’s drinks, ha-ha) He was a heavy drinker but also a pirate; eventually, he became knighted for being a pirate. He was not the one to destroy the town, but he came in and sacked it for gold, coming with 2000 pirates and outnumbering the actual 300 soldiers of this small town, rest were civilians.
So, he came from the Caribbean, brought all his men down here, and took the old city. From there, the city moved to another location a couple of years later. They set up shop on a little peninsula in what is now Casco Viejo, the old part of Panama City.
Architecture of Panama Veijo:
The ruins of the city map out even the access ways of civilisation. This old city was renovated twice, the second time with stone next time. One can see large stones used for falls, while rows of small chips of stone with lime mortar formed the walls, As per the knowledge and need of the time, all kinds of fenestrations were made in arch form with adobe bricks for load-bearing purposes. Probably the fenestrations used in these huge, thick-walled structures were in question of how could bear the load of the close by heavy walls, hence arches of various kinds were used. When the city got burned by the pirate attack, some Christian statues stood through the fire in the church. Moreover, it is believed by historians, that the walls were whitewashed and had coats of colourful paint. The people were fond of bright colours, so much so the Altar didn’t look like an altar; thus, it was shifted to Casco Viejo and was saved from being robbed, attacked, or looted.
The towering structures, which are even today accessible to climb and gain a view of Panama City, have ruins of spiral stairs constructed, though today cemented circular staircase rests on a pole to replace it. But people take metal staircases with decks for a safer climb. The climb to decks offers the visitors a view of two different realities, some windows open to the land of the past thriving in green, with its ruins laid vulnerably amidst a lush greenery, while another window will show an impressive view of the high-rise skyline at some distance, showing what Panama has evolved into today due to its riches gained, while the city was used as a port to travel world and trade.
So Panama City moved once it was burned down to here and moved to another area and put some walls up around it to protect itself but it has been here since the 1670s after it was burned down.
Casco Viejo
Plaza Cathedral in Casco Viejo marks a historic journey. Completed in 1798 after 108 years, it symbolises Panama’s colonial past. Initially a vital transhipment point, Panama’s significance dwindled as trade declined. In the early 1800s, global events, like Napoleon’s invasion, reshaped its fate. Panama declared independence in 1821 but later joined Gran Colombia, aiming for unity. However, this dream faded, leading to Panama’s independence struggle. The Bidlack Treaty of 1846 granted the US intervention rights, crucial for building a railroad, completed in 1855, easing travel during the gold rush.
Amidst this, the idea of a canal emerged, with French and American interests converging in Panama. Today, the former canal company offices stand as a testament to this joint endeavour, now the Panama Canal Museum.
Architectural Detail of one of the most important buildings in Casco Viejo. French and Later American offices, and now a museum for the Panama Canal Building.
Architectural Details Panama Canal Museum: Again, the architectural details include stucco white walls, an orange-tiled sloping roof due to heavy rain, and a sunshade that shades the entire building, protecting it from wetness. Vents to do away with humid air and bring in ample light in an office building, arched fenestrations with keystones, and wrought iron railings, with multi-panelled doors and windows.
Political Details. The Monument to the Panama Canal, known as Plaza Francia, honours the French efforts to start the canal. While the idea of a canal in Panama dates back to the 1500s, it wasn’t until the completion of the Suez Canal in the 1870s that people saw it as feasible. Ferdinand de Lesseps, known for the Suez Canal, spearheaded the French endeavour. Despite doubts and suggestions for alternatives like Nicaragua, de Lesseps pushed for Panama. After raising funds, construction began, envisioning cutting through mountains to sea level. However, they underestimated the challenges—20,000 died from malaria, landslides, and difficult terrain. Corruption scandals led to bankruptcy, court cases, and fines for de Lesseps, tarnishing his legacy. Although he did 40% of the digging and started all the geological engineering surveys, he laid the groundwork for the successful American construction of the canal in the early 1900s.
Plaza Francia
Architectural Details: The French tried to cut the land to make it smooth, but a lack of trees caused landslides and flooding, thus the spread of diseases. But the outspread of death and disease also indicated one more thing: the site visits from the lead architects were very few!
The Plaza Francia Monument at the Panama Canal is a striking architectural piece, blending elements of neoclassical and contemporary design. The monument is predominantly crafted from concrete and stone, plastered white, and paved with durable materials such as granite or marble, providing a grand and polished surface to walk upon. At its centre stands a majestic statue, likely sculpted from bronze or stone, depicting a significant figure associated with the French efforts in building the canal, possibly Ferdinand de Lesseps himself. Surrounding the central statue, there may be ornate carvings or reliefs depicting scenes from the canal’s history as a French endeavour.
Panama Canal
Although most of the details are covered above, inspired by the success of the Suez Canal, Ferdinand de Lesseps, a French diplomat and engineer, led the French effort to construct the canal in the 1880s. De Lesseps envisioned a sea-level canal, similar to the Suez, but the terrain was uneven, so while digging, the Americans had to create tailored machines to cut and transport the huge rocks obtained from digging the land.
Charges River filled up the land with water, called the Gatun Lake, after which 15km long land was cut, known as Culebra Cut, after removing thrice the percentage of anticipated excavation, The only thing stopping the water from rushing in was a large rock, Gamboa Dyke, which was exploded by President Woodrow Wilson pressing a button from his office 6000 kilometres away, signalling 7000 kilograms of dynamite to blasted in American style.
The Gates that hold the water of Gatun Lake, are called Miter Locks, were originally designed by Leonardo da Vinci around 500 years ago. As the water pressure increases on one end, the gate automatically comes together to clasp a watertight joint.
Biomuseo
Reflecting the adaptive and colourful culture of Panama City, it looks like Architect Frank Gehry created a grandiose museum from waste metal, completed in 2014. One of the most striking architectural features of the Biomuseo is its series of dramatically angled roofs, which appear to float above the building like sails on a ship. These roofs not only provide shade and protection from the elements but also serve as a nod to Panama’s maritime heritage and its role as a crossroads of global trade.
Biomuseo offers visitors an immersive experience with interactive exhibits and multimedia installations that showcase the wonders of Panama’s ecosystems. From the lush rainforests to the colorful coral reefs, the museum provides a captivating journey through the country’s rich biodiversity.
Panama inhabits high risers as if it’s a Dubai skyline; the water makes it surreal, but the colonized colonies with low heights make the city look adorable and have a unique heritage to it. Plus, colourful Spanish colonial buildings have common characteristics like stucco walls, wrought iron fenestrations, etc. While also housing a tropical environment, due to the rich ecology and sea on both sides, cheap seafood provides an easier way to live. One can see people thriving in extreme poverty because basic resources are available in abundance, but there is also a vast difference due to the canal bringing in modern trade products and technology, thus making them adept at modern building trends. So, Panama will have to keep an eye on sustainable and tailored development rather than a hastier one to sustain longer and manage resources well.
References:
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The Gallivanthropologist. (2022). Egg custard – simple recipe!, Baking 101. [YouTube video]. Available at: https://youtu.be/dCdNBOwVEBc?si=U4Ah37pH9Sa9hVL0 [Accessed 2 May 2024].
Lesics. (2023). The Engineering Marvel called Panama Canal custard – simple recipe. [YouTube video]. Available at: https://youtu.be/jh79YSCC8mM?si=7VS5p62yUeu-imdQ [Accessed 30 March 2024].
Biomuseo. (2020). El Biomuseo. [YouTube video]. Available at: https://youtu.be/bp8w7G0p-2c?si=k3A02Fi2bWHx9d1C [Accessed 03 April 2024].
Gail Hewson Hull (2015). Embera Drua Village on the Rio Chagres in Panama/FOTO DIARIST. [online]. Available at: https://fotodiarist.com/2015/09/24/embera-drua-village-on-the-rio-chagres-in-panama/ [Accessed 30 April 2024].
Salocin1. Panama City drone view. [Photograph]. (Pixabay)
Jhernandezb05. Panama Canal. [Photograph]. (Pixabay)
Cathedral Basilica. [Photograph]. (Pixabay)
Panama City Map. [Photograph]. (National Geographic Kids) (https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/countries/article/panama).
