Photo Gallery of Zamboanga's Historical Past

The above French artist went on a global cruise with a flotilla of French warships, capturing their experiences in his paintings.  This old painting entitled "Entry to the River of Sulu, Sulu Island" displays a French sail ship marooned in the Jolo River encampment of the Moros. The natives of the Sultanate of Sulu were historically referred to by the Spaniards as Moros or Mohammedans.  The image of Mohammedan culture with the Sultan of Sulu being their supreme leader is visible in the Jolo River scenery depicted in the drawing showing the French sail ship anchored and surrounded by many nipa-roofed houses on stilts above water and on land.  The village scene is that of a progressive and busy living showing their capacity to sustain a prosperous return on their activities. The French visit to the island of Jolo would mean that they arrived at some sort of agreement with the Sultan that ultimately led the French to their Raid on the Spanish Fort of Zamboanga.

photo courtesy: National Library of Australia