What to see in Zanzibar, geographic information and short history, itinerary to discover this archipelago of the Indian Ocean, located off the coast of Tanzania, including the capital of the same name.
Tourist information
The archipelago is made up of the main island of Unguja, usually called Zanzibar, the island of Pemba and about 50 smaller islets.
Zanzibar, known as the island of spices and perfumes, has been affected since ancient times by migratory flows from Africa, Arabia, Persia, India and Europe, has been the center of important exchanges commercial and has undergone various colonial occupations.
Since 200 BC Trade began with Arabia and with some areas of the east coast of Africa.
During the Persian domination, between the tenth and sixteenth centuries, Zanzibar became a very important center for the trade in slaves, ivory and spices.
Unfortunately, the slave trade continued also in the following centuries. The market was located in ancient Stone Town, the best slaves were sold to the highest bidder, while the weakest were killed.
In 1503 the Portuguese arrived and the struggle for control of the archipelago began, which lasted until the eighteenth century when there was the transfer of power to the Omani Arabs, who remained there until the second half of the nineteenth century.
This was the period when the island reached its maximum splendor, the sultan established his residence there and encouraged the immigration of Indian artisans who made splendid decorations in the city.
From 1890 to 1964 Zanzibar was under the British protectorate which opposed the slave trade.
In 1964 the Republic of Zanzibar was proclaimed which, after many struggles, joined the state of Tanganiga giving life to Tanzania.
What see
The capital Zanzibar, located on the island of Unguja, has the interesting historical center Stone Town which, bringing together a large variety of styles including Moorish, Persian, Arab, Indian and European colonial, has been declared a World Heritage Site by 'Unesco for its historical importance and its architecture.
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The name Zanzibar is of Arabic origin and derives from the combination of two words which mean "Land of the Blacks".
