Stonetown of Zanzibar, also known as Mji Mkongwe (Swahili meaning ‘old town’), is the old part of Zanzibar City, the largest city of the island in Tanzania. Ng’ambo, which means ‘the other side’ in Swahili, refers to the city’s newest portion. The town has played a significant role in the Indian Ocean Economic Network for centuries, ultimately drawing in traders from Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Persia, India, and Europe. This blend of cultures gave rise to a unique Swahili culture characterized by a vibrant history, encompassing a harmonious fusion of African customs alongside Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences.
Stone Town’s strategic location made it a hub for the spice trade, with cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon shipped from its coasts to far-flung destinations. However, it was also an important site for the East African slave trade. The vestiges of this era, such as the former slave market site, which now houses the Anglican Cathedral, serve as painful reminders of this tragic history.
One of Stone Town’s most appealing features is its architecture. The buildings, largely made of coralline ragstone and lime mortar, combine Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European design features. Narrow lanes wind between multi-story houses, many of which have elaborately carved wooden doors that convey their own stories.
Among the notable landmarks of Stone Town is the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), which was built in the late 17th century upon the remnants of a Portuguese church. It has served a variety of uses throughout the years, including a defensive construction, a prison, and a women’s tennis club. Today, it serves as a cultural center, presenting events and providing insight into the island’s past.
Another famous landmark is the House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib), a ceremonial palace built by Sultan Barghash in the nineteenth century that is notable for being Zanzibar’s first building to have electricity and an elevator. Although it is now being renovated, its magnificence is still obvious.
Stone Town was one of the first cities in East Africa to install electric lamps in the late 1800s. The House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib) was even the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity and an elevator, which was an astonishing feat at the time!
Also, the Old Dispensary, an architectural jewel with elegant balconies and stained glass windows, has evolved over time from a charitable dispensary to apartments and now functions as a cultural center.
The coral stone used to construct Stone Town is unusual since it was quarried from the nearby reefs. This porous material naturally cools the buildings, keeping them comfortable in the tropical heat. This also renders the buildings weak and in need of frequent maintenance.
In 1840, Sultan Said bin Sultan of Oman relocated his capital from Muscat to Zanzibar, making Stone Town the focal point of Omani sovereignty in East Africa. The town retains considerable Omani influences, particularly in its architecture and cuisine.
Stone Town’s architecture, as well as its rich culture, reflects the numerous influences that molded it. The town’s culinary culture features a delectable combination of flavors, with dishes reflecting its international past. The nighttime food market at Forodhani Gardens is a must-see, serving local delights such as Zanzibari pizza and grilled shrimp.
Music and art flourish here as well. The Dhow Countries Music Academy, for example, is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Swahili coast traditional music. Regular performances and workshops offer a deep dive into the region’s musical traditions.
The narrow lanes, bustling bazaars, and historical places beckon limitless investigation. Stone Town’s streets are too narrow for automobiles, unlike modern towns. Instead, they walk, ride bikes, or drive motorcycles. The town’s maze-like structure was intended for people and donkeys, the first “vehicles.”
In recognition of its cultural and historical value, UNESCO named Stone Town a World Heritage Site in 2000. This designation emphasizes the significance of preserving its distinctive urban fabric and architectural integrity.
Stone Town featured a sophisticated underground water system, complete with wells and cisterns for collecting rain. This system was critical to the town’s existence, particularly during the dry season. Some old houses in Stone Town are linked by underground tunnels that were used for trade, covert escapes, and possibly even the slave trade, but much of this is unknown.
The “Mashariki” (East) winds played an important part in Stone Town’s maritime trade. Sailors relied on these regular winds to navigate the Indian Ocean, making Zanzibar an important layover destination.
There is some academic controversy and a historical link between the fall of the Gedi ruins in Kenya and the rise of power in Zanzibar. This demonstrates that the islands’ influence extended deeper than many people assume.
Stone Town was among the first African cities to be photographed. Early images, some of which are still preserved, offer an intriguing peek into the town’s history.
Despite industrialization, Stone Town has maintained numerous traditional crafts, including woodcarving, metallurgy, and fabric dyeing. These crafts are passed down through generations, preserving the community’s cultural legacy.
