Zanzibar

*Includes pictures *Includes various explorers' accounts of Zanzibar at different times *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading *Includes a table of contents "It was then capital of an Afro-Arab dynasty, a centre of commerce and international diplomacy, a seat of learning...and a gateway to Africa."- Abdul Sheriff, 1995 Situated about 25 miles off the Tanzanian coast, Zanzibar, with its sultans and spices, merchants and mosques, dhows and doorways of richly carved timber, has captured the imagination of travelers and writers for hundreds of years. It has long evoked a romantic mystique, calling up images of an island paradise in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Its gleaming Muslim Swahili town, built of white coralline limestone, can trace approximately a thousand years of maritime trading, and it also sustained a plantation economy based principally on slaves and cloves. Stone Town is one of the few historic trading cities from the Swahili civilization that remains a viable urban center to this day. For much of the last millennium, Zanzibar served as the center of maritime interaction and trade between Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and India, and the architectural and urban heritage of the island reflects the complex fusion of these cultural spheres. By tracing the changes seen in the archaeological record, it is possible to identify the transformations that occurred in the landscape, people, and architecture of Zanzibar. The earliest known people to call Zanzibar home, the Swahili, built their iconic coral rag houses on the strategically important Shangani Peninsula. It was therefore a populated-though sparsely so-island that European traders discovered during the Age of Exploration. The main settlement in Zanzibar was Mji Mkongwe ("old town" in Swahili), better known as Stone Town. It is today but one part of the modern Zanzibar City, but it is a site that has gone through many fascinating stages of development in history. Starting as a small and nondescript fishing village, the settlement became a royal residence and commercial bazaar through a complicated network of ethnic and cultural relations. The Portuguese were especially prominent in their activities in Stone Town, though their influence declined at the close of the 17th century, when the sultans of Oman emerged as the dominant political and economic force in the Indian Ocean region and eventually established Zanzibar as their base of operations. Tremendous amounts of wealth and influence were earned by Indian and Arab traders engaging in the clove and slave trade, and it was these two groups that had the longest lasting influence on the island's tangible formation to the present day. From the latter 19th century, the British exerted pressure and influence on Zanzibar in an attempt to end the centuries-long trade of slaves through the island. Today, the urban landscape contains a number of iconic structures and a wide variety of vernacular architectural styles, yet because of political and economic vicissitudes over the centuries, Stone Town has undergone both development and retrogression. The main buildings of the town that can to be viewed today were built during the 18th and 19th centuries. The old Arab Fort, the palaces of the sultans, numerous mosques, and elegant mansions with their massive, carved wooden doorways, dominated the town. Over the last hundred years, however, political changes have affected the architectural landscape in critical ways. The partition of Africa in the late 19th century diminished Zanzibar's commercial dominance, causing a decline in wealth and influence, and as a British protectorate, it became subject to colonial ideas of modernization. After a devastating revolution in the 1960s, during which some twelve thousand Arabs and Indians were killed before fleeing the islands, Zanzibar adopted a communist government.

*Includes pictures *Includes various explorers' accounts of Zanzibar at different times *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading *Includes a table of contents "It was then capital of an Afro-Arab dynasty, a centre of commerce and international diplomacy, a seat of learning...and a gateway to Africa."- Abdul Sheriff, 1995 Situated about 25 miles off the Tanzanian coast, Zanzibar, with its sultans and spices, merchants and mosques, dhows and doorways of richly carved timber, has captured the imagination of travelers and writers for hundreds of years. It has long evoked a romantic mystique, calling up images of an island paradise in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Its gleaming Muslim Swahili town, built of white coralline limestone, can trace approximately a thousand years of maritime trading, and it also sustained a plantation economy based principally on slaves and cloves. Stone Town is one of the few historic trading cities from the Swahili civilization that remains a viable urban center to this day. For much of the last millennium, Zanzibar served as the center of maritime interaction and trade between Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and India, and the architectural and urban heritage of the island reflects the complex fusion of these cultural spheres. By tracing the changes seen in the archaeological record, it is possible to identify the transformations that occurred in the landscape, people, and architecture of Zanzibar. The earliest known people to call Zanzibar home, the Swahili, built their iconic coral rag houses on the strategically important Shangani Peninsula. It was therefore a populated-though sparsely so-island that European traders discovered during the Age of Exploration. The main settlement in Zanzibar was Mji Mkongwe ("old town" in Swahili), better known as Stone Town. It is today but one part of the modern Zanzibar City, but it is a site that has gone through many fascinating stages of development in history. Starting as a small and nondescript fishing village, the settlement became a royal residence and commercial bazaar through a complicated network of ethnic and cultural relations. The Portuguese were especially prominent in their activities in Stone Town, though their influence declined at the close of the 17th century, when the sultans of Oman emerged as the dominant political and economic force in the Indian Ocean region and eventually established Zanzibar as their base of operations. Tremendous amounts of wealth and influence were earned by Indian and Arab traders engaging in the clove and slave trade, and it was these two groups that had the longest lasting influence on the island's tangible formation to the present day. From the latter 19th century, the British exerted pressure and influence on Zanzibar in an attempt to end the centuries-long trade of slaves through the island. Today, the urban landscape contains a number of iconic structures and a wide variety of vernacular architectural styles, yet because of political and economic vicissitudes over the centuries, Stone Town has undergone both development and retrogression. The main buildings of the town that can to be viewed today were built during the 18th and 19th centuries. The old Arab Fort, the palaces of the sultans, numerous mosques, and elegant mansions with their massive, carved wooden doorways, dominated the town. Over the last hundred years, however, political changes have affected the architectural landscape in critical ways. The partition of Africa in the late 19th century diminished Zanzibar's commercial dominance, causing a decline in wealth and influence, and as a British protectorate, it became subject to colonial ideas of modernization. After a devastating revolution in the 1960s, during which some twelve thousand Arabs and Indians were killed before fleeing the islands, Zanzibar adopted a communist government.

Uncover the allure of Zanzibar, a breathtaking archipelago where history, culture, and natural beauty converge in harmony. This comprehensive guide takes you beyond the pristine beaches and turquoise waters, delving into the island's vibrant cultural heritage, rich traditions, and captivating history as a crossroads of trade and empires. Explore the narrow alleys of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where centuries of diverse influences have shaped its iconic architecture and vibrant street life. Immerse yourself in the "Spice Island" legacy with visits to lush plantations, savoring flavors that have traveled the world. Discover the pristine marine ecosystems, where colorful coral reefs and playful dolphins await. Whether you are a curious traveler, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking a deeper connection to a unique destination, this book serves as your perfect companion to understanding the heart and soul of Zanzibar. Let the stories, traditions, and timeless beauty of this magical island inspire your next adventure.

Zanzibar by Adam Jackson guides travelers to this beautiful archipelago. Adam guides you in why you should go to this island, when to go, how to get there, where to stay, what to see and do, as well as help you understand the culture and people. The information is short and direct. All you have to do is go have a good time.

Zanzibar by Adam Jackson guides travelers to this beautiful archipelago. Adam guides you in why you should go to this island, when to go, how to get there, where to stay, what to see and do, as well as help you understand the culture and people. The information is short and direct. All you have to do is go have a good time.

*Includes pictures *Includes various explorers' accounts of Zanzibar at different times *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading *Includes a table of contents "It was then capital of an Afro-Arab dynasty, a centre of commerce and international diplomacy, a seat of learning...and a gateway to Africa."- Abdul Sheriff, 1995 Situated about 25 miles off the Tanzanian coast, Zanzibar, with its sultans and spices, merchants and mosques, dhows and doorways of richly carved timber, has captured the imagination of travelers and writers for hundreds of years. It has long evoked a romantic mystique, calling up images of an island paradise in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Its gleaming Muslim Swahili town, built of white coralline limestone, can trace approximately a thousand years of maritime trading, and it also sustained a plantation economy based principally on slaves and cloves. Stone Town is one of the few historic trading cities from the Swahili civilization that remains a viable urban center to this day. For much of the last millennium, Zanzibar served as the center of maritime interaction and trade between Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and India, and the architectural and urban heritage of the island reflects the complex fusion of these cultural spheres. By tracing the changes seen in the archaeological record, it is possible to identify the transformations that occurred in the landscape, people, and architecture of Zanzibar. The earliest known people to call Zanzibar home, the Swahili, built their iconic coral rag houses on the strategically important Shangani Peninsula. It was therefore a populated-though sparsely so-island that European traders discovered during the Age of Exploration. The main settlement in Zanzibar was Mji Mkongwe ("old town" in Swahili), better known as Stone Town. It is today but one part of the modern Zanzibar City, but it is a site that has gone through many fascinating stages of development in history. Starting as a small and nondescript fishing village, the settlement became a royal residence and commercial bazaar through a complicated network of ethnic and cultural relations. The Portuguese were especially prominent in their activities in Stone Town, though their influence declined at the close of the 17th century, when the sultans of Oman emerged as the dominant political and economic force in the Indian Ocean region and eventually established Zanzibar as their base of operations. Tremendous amounts of wealth and influence were earned by Indian and Arab traders engaging in the clove and slave trade, and it was these two groups that had the longest lasting influence on the island's tangible formation to the present day. From the latter 19th century, the British exerted pressure and influence on Zanzibar in an attempt to end the centuries-long trade of slaves through the island. Today, the urban landscape contains a number of iconic structures and a wide variety of vernacular architectural styles, yet because of political and economic vicissitudes over the centuries, Stone Town has undergone both development and retrogression. The main buildings of the town that can to be viewed today were built during the 18th and 19th centuries. The old Arab Fort, the palaces of the sultans, numerous mosques, and elegant mansions with their massive, carved wooden doorways, dominated the town. Over the last hundred years, however, political changes have affected the architectural landscape in critical ways. The partition of Africa in the late 19th century diminished Zanzibar's commercial dominance, causing a decline in wealth and influence, and as a British protectorate, it became subject to colonial ideas of modernization. After a devastating revolution in the 1960s, during which some twelve thousand Arabs and Indians were killed before fleeing the islands, Zanzibar adopted a communist government.

*Includes pictures *Includes various explorers' accounts of Zanzibar at different times *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading *Includes a table of contents "It was then capital of an Afro-Arab dynasty, a centre of commerce and international diplomacy, a seat of learning...and a gateway to Africa."- Abdul Sheriff, 1995 Situated about 25 miles off the Tanzanian coast, Zanzibar, with its sultans and spices, merchants and mosques, dhows and doorways of richly carved timber, has captured the imagination of travelers and writers for hundreds of years. It has long evoked a romantic mystique, calling up images of an island paradise in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Its gleaming Muslim Swahili town, built of white coralline limestone, can trace approximately a thousand years of maritime trading, and it also sustained a plantation economy based principally on slaves and cloves. Stone Town is one of the few historic trading cities from the Swahili civilization that remains a viable urban center to this day. For much of the last millennium, Zanzibar served as the center of maritime interaction and trade between Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and India, and the architectural and urban heritage of the island reflects the complex fusion of these cultural spheres. By tracing the changes seen in the archaeological record, it is possible to identify the transformations that occurred in the landscape, people, and architecture of Zanzibar. The earliest known people to call Zanzibar home, the Swahili, built their iconic coral rag houses on the strategically important Shangani Peninsula. It was therefore a populated-though sparsely so-island that European traders discovered during the Age of Exploration. The main settlement in Zanzibar was Mji Mkongwe ("old town" in Swahili), better known as Stone Town. It is today but one part of the modern Zanzibar City, but it is a site that has gone through many fascinating stages of development in history. Starting as a small and nondescript fishing village, the settlement became a royal residence and commercial bazaar through a complicated network of ethnic and cultural relations. The Portuguese were especially prominent in their activities in Stone Town, though their influence declined at the close of the 17th century, when the sultans of Oman emerged as the dominant political and economic force in the Indian Ocean region and eventually established Zanzibar as their base of operations. Tremendous amounts of wealth and influence were earned by Indian and Arab traders engaging in the clove and slave trade, and it was these two groups that had the longest lasting influence on the island's tangible formation to the present day. From the latter 19th century, the British exerted pressure and influence on Zanzibar in an attempt to end the centuries-long trade of slaves through the island. Today, the urban landscape contains a number of iconic structures and a wide variety of vernacular architectural styles, yet because of political and economic vicissitudes over the centuries, Stone Town has undergone both development and retrogression. The main buildings of the town that can to be viewed today were built during the 18th and 19th centuries. The old Arab Fort, the palaces of the sultans, numerous mosques, and elegant mansions with their massive, carved wooden doorways, dominated the town. Over the last hundred years, however, political changes have affected the architectural landscape in critical ways. The partition of Africa in the late 19th century diminished Zanzibar's commercial dominance, causing a decline in wealth and influence, and as a British protectorate, it became subject to colonial ideas of modernization. After a devastating revolution in the 1960s, during which some twelve thousand Arabs and Indians were killed before fleeing the islands, Zanzibar adopted a communist government.

Uncover the allure of Zanzibar, a breathtaking archipelago where history, culture, and natural beauty converge in harmony. This comprehensive guide takes you beyond the pristine beaches and turquoise waters, delving into the island's vibrant cultural heritage, rich traditions, and captivating history as a crossroads of trade and empires. Explore the narrow alleys of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where centuries of diverse influences have shaped its iconic architecture and vibrant street life. Immerse yourself in the "Spice Island" legacy with visits to lush plantations, savoring flavors that have traveled the world. Discover the pristine marine ecosystems, where colorful coral reefs and playful dolphins await. Whether you are a curious traveler, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking a deeper connection to a unique destination, this book serves as your perfect companion to understanding the heart and soul of Zanzibar. Let the stories, traditions, and timeless beauty of this magical island inspire your next adventure.

For the UK This new tenth edition of Bradt's Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia remains the most in-depth guide available to these exotic and alluring islands. Thoroughly updated following extensive on-the-ground research, accommodation listings are near comprehensive, with over 300 properties spanning all budget levels featured, many newly built and the vast majority not featured in other guides. Bradt's Zanzibar also offers for more detailed coverage of the islands' cultural, historic and environmental status than other guides, and the authors make a point of featuring more ethically- minded hotels, tour operators and activities, from fair- trade shopping opportunities to marine awareness guidelines. All maps have been accurately updated with every property, major attraction, eatery and road recorded using GPS. No other guidebook provides this level of guidance. Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia have become increasingly accessible dream destinations. All offer some wonderful beach resorts catering to most styles and budgets, but they also offer superb diving and snorkelling, while Swahili-related cultural highlights range from the history-steeped alleys of Zanzibar Stone Town to a scattering of evocative ruins spanning several centuries, and the more low-key fishing villages that line the coast. Bradt's Zanzibar is the most frequently updated book on the islands: the authors are personally known in the region for their face-to-face research methods and this is the book of choice for hoteliers and expatriate workers/residents on Zanzibar. The guide also includes a dedicated section on southern Tanzanian safaris in the Selous/Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks, making this the ideal choice for a bush and beach combination.

For the UK This new tenth edition of Bradt's Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia remains the most in-depth guide available to these exotic and alluring islands. Thoroughly updated following extensive on-the-ground research, accommodation listings are near comprehensive, with over 300 properties spanning all budget levels featured, many newly built and the vast majority not featured in other guides. Bradt's Zanzibar also offers for more detailed coverage of the islands' cultural, historic and environmental status than other guides, and the authors make a point of featuring more ethically- minded hotels, tour operators and activities, from fair- trade shopping opportunities to marine awareness guidelines. All maps have been accurately updated with every property, major attraction, eatery and road recorded using GPS. No other guidebook provides this level of guidance. Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia have become increasingly accessible dream destinations. All offer some wonderful beach resorts catering to most styles and budgets, but they also offer superb diving and snorkelling, while Swahili-related cultural highlights range from the history-steeped alleys of Zanzibar Stone Town to a scattering of evocative ruins spanning several centuries, and the more low-key fishing villages that line the coast. Bradt's Zanzibar is the most frequently updated book on the islands: the authors are personally known in the region for their face-to-face research methods and this is the book of choice for hoteliers and expatriate workers/residents on Zanzibar. The guide also includes a dedicated section on southern Tanzanian safaris in the Selous/Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks, making this the ideal choice for a bush and beach combination.