The History and Establishment of Zanzibar

Zanzibar is one of the most remarkable regions of Tanzania. This large island has witnessed many various historical events. It was once part of the Persian Empire and the Sultans of Oman. Many travel packages to Tanzania include a visit to Zanzibar.At the center of Zanzibar, the Stone Town, the oldest section of the island is featured with its narrow lanes, Arabian style houses, and decorated doors. Zanzibar welcomes hundreds of tourists who travel to Tanzania

Away from the center of the island, the shores of Zanzibar have never changed a lot for centuries. There are plenty of amazing beaches on the Indian ocean, many resorts and hotels, and much more attractions that grab the attention of several tourists who spend their vacations in Tanzania.

Can one imagine that the history of Zanzibar goes back to the beginning of the first millennium? This was when the inhabitants of the main land of Tanzania travelled to the Zanzibar and the neighboring Pemba in search of better fishing and huntin opportunities. Until today, fishing is one of the most interesting activities tourists who travel to Tanzania like.Historians assert that Arabs coming from the Arabian Peninsula visited Zanzibar even before the first millennium. They began establishing some primitive settlements as early as the 1 st century AD. Other traders coming from Persia began their journeys towards Zanzibar around the 8 th century AD.

During the period between the 13 th and 15 th century, Zanzibar began to be one of the important transit points for tradesmen coming from Arabia to Persia and vice versa. The island become a strong town that provides slaves, gold, wood, and many other goods to Asia and India. Today Zanzibar is one of the most marvelous places to explore during a vacation in Tanzania.

Not only products and commercial journeys came from the Arabian Peninsula to Zanzibar, but also Islam and Arabian architecture that were dominant during a long period of time. A great example of Islamic monuments in Zanzibar is the Mosque of Kizimakazi that was constructed in the 12 th century AD. The mosque welcomes some tourists who enjoy their holidays in Tanzania and who are fond of Islamic architecture.

The Portuguese took control of Zanzibar and Pemba in the 16 th century and somehow ended this golden age of the two islands. However, the situation hasn’t remained for long. The British tried to conquer Zanzibar and then the Omanis who afterwards, during the 19 th century, controlled Zanzibar. This period was quite flourishing as they were brilliant tradesmen.

However, at the beginning of the 19 th century, with the increase of the European interest in Eastern Africa, the British army took control of Zanzibar. It was in 1862, when Omani Sultan still ruled over Zanzibar.However, this was under the British Protectorate. A large number of Europeans enjoy their holidays in Tanzania these days.

Zanzibar gained its independence on the 10 th of December 1963 and one month later, the original people of the island went into a bloody revolution against the Omanis. Afterwards, in April 1964, the head of the Afro Sherazi Party signed an agreement of unity with the rulers of the main land at the time to form Tanzania, this marvelous African country we know today.