Muhammad Adeel

History of Zanzibar The Zanzibar’s history was greatly shaped by its geography, with its trade routes with Arabia and Africa the Indian Ocean plays an important role in this regard. The first trades routes were with African but later on this expanded and Persians also began to land in Zanzibar in the 10th century. These influences the population a lot and absorbed into local population. The rural populations were then separated and these remain disparate villages, recognized as two major groups of people the Tumbatu and Hadimu. The African-Persian population then further converted to Islam and they began to adopt many Persian traditions. Even though now-a-days the people also call their selves as Shirazi basically represents the earliest Persians which come here. Arabs have a lot of influence on Zanzibar, because the Omani Arabs began to gradually develop their merchants in Zanzibar. Hence the colonies of them were established then the Island’s position also influenced by their commerce. Their influence remained in culture and traditions also after wards. The Portuguese then came in 16th century and they conquered all the seaports on coastlines, along with Mombasa which was the richest and most powerful at that times. Their purpose was commercial rather than political, when their powers finished up in 17th century, they left their marks of stay behind. Omani Arabs expelled the Portuguese from Muscat in 1650s. They gradually controlled the many settlements, along with Zanzibar. With many wars finally the Sultan of Oman decided to relocate the capital city from Muscat to Zanzibar. The rapid expansion of the slave trade in the late 18th and 19th centuries were started, by the demand of Africa plantation needs this slavery begun, and the trade now made their routs to interior of Africa. In 1861 Zanzibar separated from Oman and arose as an independent sultanate. The Great Britain and Germany divided the most of the territories of this country and secured the economic control over the coastal strip. In 1963 the sultanate regained its independence and become the member of the British Commonwealth. In early 1964 a revolt changed sultanate into a republic. The 2 Islands Zanzibar island is the mostly used name for the main island. It is known as Unguja locally. This main island is like a jewel in the Indian Ocean but it includes the lesser known islands which are of worth seeing like Prison Island which is also known as Changuu. You can have day trip of this Island to explore the stunning and excellent spots there like beaches and restaurants. There lives a giant population of tortoises considered as a gift from Seychelles. The adjacent Island is Chumbe Island which is forest reserve and also includes a light house built in 1904. There is a marine national park also since the 1990s but there are unusual inhabitants. The other Island is Mafia Island it is not far from Zanzibar. It is located just near the Rufiji Delta which is a short air flight away from Zanzibar. This Island has most popular stopover for two thousand years and now-a-days it is one of the gigantic marine parks in the East Africa which offers a wide variety of corals and fish. There is perfect swimming and sailing clear water is available to be get fascinated by the natural beauty. There are sandbanks and beaches around this Island which are from the top of the Island to bottom. This Island has changed a very little in past years with its marine inhabitants. There are friendly people who have proud on their heritage sites. Getting there from Tanzania Mainland There are many ferries and catamarans that can take you to the Zanzibar. Azam Marine, Sea Express and Sea Stars are some of them which you can book for your trip to Zanzibar. Their departure time is different depending upon demand, weather and also condition of the boats there are different sets of ferries which run in different times. Make sure to arrive there about 30 minutes earlier to be allow for emigration, security checking etc. The first class is more expensive than the economy class seats in the boat. You’ll stay in A/C set to be at 18 degrees Celsius. Tourists are often allowed in first class and they pay about 2% more than locals. If you prefer to stay outside then choose economy. Another option there is the Flying Horse which makes the same journey and takes up to 4% hours. There are also evening departures on slow ferry. It runs towards its destination; security is an issue there because you’ll need permanents attention to your belongings. This is reported one of the beautiful trips also. You can also have option of your private boat booking for cheaper but keep in mind the trip will be quiet longer.