OLD TOWN
- Country: Tanzania
- Location: Zanzibar
- Language Spoken: Swahili
- Area (Km): 0.96 Square Km.
- Visa Requirement: yes
The historic old quarter of Zanzibar City, known as Stone Town or Mji Mkongwe in Swahili, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prominent cultural hub in East Africa. Its winding, narrow streets and unique architecture reflect a blend of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences that developed over centuries of trade.
History and culture
- Melting pot of cultures: For more than a thousand years,
Stone Town was a key hub on the trade routes for spices, silk, and enslaved people. These interactions shaped its culture and architectural style, leading to the construction of buildings primarily made from coral stone and mangrove timber.
- Slave trade history: In the 19th century,
Zanzibar
was a major center for the Indian Ocean slave trade. The city holds great symbolic importance for its role in the suppression of slavery, and visitors can see the site of the former slave market and the Anglican Cathedral built to commemorate its end. - Arab and European influence: During the 19th century, the island became the capital of the Omani Sultanate, attracting wealthy Arab, Persian, and Indian merchants who built grand palaces and homes. This was followed by a period as a British protectorate in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Key attractions
- : This seaside park is an evening destination where locals and tourists gather to enjoy a market offering grilled seafood and other Zanzibari street food at sunset.
- : Originally built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and later rebuilt by the Omanis, this fortress features an amphitheater that hosts festivals, live music, and other cultural events.
- (Beit al-Ajaib): Built in 1883 for the sultan, this was the first building in Zanzibar with electricity and the first in East Africa with an elevator. Although it has partially collapsed and is under restoration, it remains a notable landmark.
- : A former sultan's palace, this museum on the seafront offers a look into the lives of Zanzibar's royal family.
- : This elaborately decorated late-19th-century building, known for its intricate balconies and stained-glass windows, is a symbol of the city's multicultural heritage.
- : Located on the site of the old slave market, this historic church stands alongside a monument and museum dedicated to the history of slavery.
