Over the centuries, Zanzibar
has been influenced by incomers from all over the globe. Africans were the
first incomers, from the mainland, followed by Persian settlers in the 10th
century, who mixed with the existing African inhabitants. Many Zanzibaris still
like to claim “Shirazi” origins.
Arab and Portuguese traders also
visited the region and used the island as a base for their travels between
Africa, the Middle East and India. Omani Arabs were the most important as many
decided to settle and became the island’s ‘aristocracy’. During the 18th and
19th centuries, the archipelago was controlled by the Sultanate of Oman, which
had a big influence on the people of Zanzibar in terms of economy, agriculture,
culture and religion. The Omanis developed the economy and introduced the spice
plantations, and thanks to them we are still known as the Spice Islands.
Sadly, the slave trade
boomed during that time – this is not a positive part of our heritage. Today
you can visit the old slave market and slave caves and find out about this dark
chapter in the island’s history.
The British established a
protectorate in 1890, but in December 1963 the islands gained independence.
However, only a month later the bloody Zanzibar Revolution saw many Arabs and
Indians killed and the formation of the People’s Republic of Zanzibar and
Pemba.
Soon after the islands
joined Tanganyika to form a new republic – Tanzania. As a semi-autonomous part
of Tanzania, Zanzibar has kept its own government. The constitution of Tanzania
is now being reviewed to decide what the future of this union is.