Modern Mombasa traces its heritage back to the Thenashara Taifa, a Swahili clan that still maintains an unbroken chain of customs and traditions. By the 12th century, Mombasa was already a thriving port and a key link on Indian Ocean trade routes. Because of this strategic position, the area was continually fought over, gaining the name of Kisiwa Cha Mvita, (which means “island of war” in Kiswahili) for the numerous conflicts for the city’s control. Passing among the Arabs, Persians, Portuguese, and Turks, it then came under British administration in 1895, becoming the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate. During this period a railway line was completed connecting Mombasa to Uganda. To construct the railroad, the British introduced Indian laborers that eventually settled here and became part of the city’s increasing multiculturalism