The Zanzibari Sultanate: Omani Influence in East Africa

Series: Islamic Kingdoms in Africa – Humanity, Knowledge, and Forgotten History

Prof. Dr Faid Mohammed Said

Introduction

In the corners of forgotten African history lie great Islamic kingdoms that established civilisations, built networks of knowledge, trade, and spirituality, and left their mark across time and place. This scholarly series aims to recover those neglected pages of collective memory by highlighting refined human experiences that combined religion, knowledge, and development. The series focuses on three core pillars: humanity, knowledge, and forgotten history.

Among the kingdoms that merit careful academic consideration is the Zanzibari Sultanate, a unique model of Omani Islamic influence in East Africa. Founded in the 19th century, this sultanate represented a distinct political, commercial, and cultural experience, blending Arab and African presence, and reshaping the character of the East African coast.

The Zanzibari Sultanate was not merely a political extension of Oman in Africa, but the result of a long-standing cultural interaction between Arabs and the Swahili coast. It manifested in the establishment of a sovereign Islamic state with significant roles in global trade and the spread of Islamic and Arabic culture deep into Africa.

This article aims to study the Zanzibari Sultanate as one of the most prominent examples of Omani influence in East Africa by examining its foundation, founding figures, reasons for its emergence, political, cultural, and economic achievements, causes of its decline, and its legacy in African memory. It also sheds light on historians’ perspectives and what the sultanate symbolises for today’s African youth as a source of inspiration.

1. Defining the Zanzibari Sultanate: Geography, History, and Identity

Zanzibar is located off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean and is an archipelago consisting of several main islands, the most prominent being Unguja (Greater Zanzibar) and Pemba, along with numerous smaller scattered islands. Despite its small size, Zanzibar was for decades a central hub for trade and culture in East Africa, serving as a strategic meeting point between the Arab and African worlds.

Historically, Zanzibar had early ties with the Arab world, dating back to pre-Islamic times, but these ties were significantly reinforced after the Islamic expansion, especially with the arrival of Omani and Yemeni merchants who settled on the East African coast. The Omanis played a crucial role in shaping the island through spreading Islam, building mosques, advancing maritime trade, and integrating socially with the local Swahili population.

In the early 19th century, a distinct political entity began to emerge in Zanzibar under the rule of the Al Busaid dynasty of Oman, who extended their maritime influence to the African coast. This influence peaked when Sultan Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, one of Oman’s most prominent rulers, decided to transfer his capital from Muscat to Zanzibar in 1840, thereby establishing what came to be known as the Zanzibari Sultanate – a sovereign political entity with diplomatic ties and a unique civilisational identity.

The Zanzibari identity under this sultanate was shaped by a unique cultural blend: Omani, Swahili African, and Indian elements merged to create a vibrant and diverse cultural environment under the banner of Islam and the Arabic language. At this time, Zanzibar became a key link between the Gulf, the Horn of Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the African interior.

Thus, the Zanzibari Sultanate emerged not merely as an extension of Arab-Islamic rule in Africa, but as a powerful maritime and commercial force that helped redraw civilisational influence in the Indian Ocean. It played a significant role in shaping regional and international politics and economies in the 19th century.

2. Founding of the Zanzibari Sultanate and Its Early Rulers

2.1 Background to the Foundation: The Road to Zanzibar

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Sultanate of Oman underwent major political and military transformations that significantly expanded its maritime influence along the East African coast. One of the pivotal developments during this period was the rise of Sultan Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi to power in Oman in 1806. His rule was marked by local and family rivalries on one hand and increasing European competition on the other.

Sultan Said, with sharp political and commercial acumen, realised that Oman’s traditional presence in East Africa could be transformed into a strategic base – not only to secure commercial interests but to build regional influence in the face of growing European penetration, particularly by the Portuguese and later the British. He began to consolidate Omani control in areas such as Mombasa, Lamu, and Malindi, eventually making Zanzibar the central hub.

2.2 Formal Foundation and Transfer of the Capital (1840)

In 1840, Sultan Said made a landmark decision to transfer the capital of the Omani Sultanate from Muscat to Zanzibar – a move that carried major political implications. It marked the official founding of the Zanzibari Sultanate as an administratively independent political entity, while still connected to Oman through familial, religious, and cultural ties.

Sultan Said chose Zanzibar due to its strategic location and expanding trade. He built a grand palace (the “Beit al-Sahel”) and established formal government institutions. He also signed treaties with global powers such as Britain, France, and the United States. Within a few years, Zanzibar had become one of the busiest ports in the Indian Ocean and an advanced centre of commerce and diplomacy.

2.3 Sultan Said bin Sultan (1791–1856): The Founding Father

Sultan Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi (1791–1856) is regarded as the undisputed founder of the Zanzibari Sultanate and a key figure in modern Omani history. Raised in the court of his father, Sultan Ahmed bin Said, he came to power after his father’s assassination. His reign was characterised by political decisiveness, maritime expansion, and commercial openness.

Key features of his rule and personality:

• Strengthened the Omani fleet, making it one of the most powerful in the Indian Ocean.
• Established diplomatic relations with major powers, signing treaties with the US (1833), Britain (1839), and France.
• Promoted agriculture, particularly clove cultivation, which became Zanzibar’s economic hallmark.
• Was multilingual (Arabic, Swahili, and English), encouraged Islamic education, and built mosques and schools, establishing Arabic as the official language of administration.

2.4 His Sons and Successors: After Said bin Sultan

Following the death of Sultan Said in 1856, a succession conflict broke out among his sons, leading to the division of the Busaid Sultanate into two branches:

• Omani Branch: Ruled by his son Thuwaini bin Said.
• Zanzibari Branch: Led by his son Majid bin Said, who became the first internationally recognised Sultan of Zanzibar in 1856.

Several of Said’s other sons succeeded Majid, the most notable among them being:

• Barghash bin Said (1870–1888): A strong administrator who developed modern institutions, built government buildings, and cautiously confronted European influence.
• Khalifa bin Said and Ali bin Said: Ruled towards the end of the 19th century but saw a gradual erosion of power under increasing British pressure.

3. Motives Behind the Establishment of the Zanzibari Sultanate: Geographical, Political, Commercial, and Religious Factors

The foundation of the Zanzibari Sultanate was not a spontaneous or circumstantial event, but rather the result of a complex interaction of geographical, commercial, political, and religious factors strategically understood by Sultan Said bin Sultan.

3.1 Geographical Motive – Strategic Location of Zanzibar

Zanzibar lies on the maritime route between the Arabian Peninsula, India, and the East African coast, making it an ideal location for leading maritime trade. The island served as a link between the Arab world, the Horn of Africa, and South Asia, facilitating Omani control over maritime and commercial activities in the Indian Ocean.

For this reason, Zanzibar was the best candidate to become an alternative capital for the Omani Sultanate, especially amid political and economic challenges beginning to surface in the Gulf region at that time.

3.2 Commercial Motive – Control over Trade Routes

The 19th century witnessed a massive increase in trade of African goods such as cloves, ivory, gold, and slaves. The Omani Sultanate viewed Zanzibar as a golden opportunity to serve as a central hub for collecting and exporting these goods, particularly as the island came to be known as the “Jewel of the Indian Ocean.”

Sultan Said transformed Zanzibar into the world capital of clove production, importing clove seeds from the East Indies and encouraging widespread cultivation. He also established ports and warehouses and integrated Zanzibar into trade networks reaching India, the Gulf, and Europe, generating enormous revenue for the sultanate.

3.3 Political Motive – Consolidating Regional Power against European Influence

With the onset of European colonial expansion – especially British, French, and Portuguese – Sultan Said realised the importance of strengthening Omani influence in Africa not just to protect interests but also to balance growing Western ambitions.

To legitimise his presence, the Sultan signed treaties with Western powers, becoming the first Muslim ruler in Africa to sign a commercial treaty with the United States. This strategic diplomacy formed part of a carefully calibrated realpolitik.

3.4 Religious Motive – Spreading Islam and Strengthening Civilisational Ties

Sultan Said carried a clear religious mission, focused on spreading Islam and reinforcing Islamic and Arabic identity in coastal and inland African areas. By establishing mosques, Quranic schools, and promoting Arabic, the Zanzibari Sultanate became a centre of Islamic cultural radiance in East Africa.

He also encouraged intermarriage between Omanis and local populations, leading to the emergence of a Muslim Swahili class with a mixed identity. This group became the core through which Islam spread deeper into the African interior.

Thus, the Zanzibari Sultanate stood as a strategic project of multidimensional vision – economic, religious, and political – and laid the foundation for a long-standing Omani presence in East Africa.

4. Key Achievements of the Zanzibari Sultanate: Trade, Culture, Education, and Politics

Under Sultan Said bin Sultan and his successors, the Zanzibari Sultanate experienced a period of exceptional prosperity, turning Zanzibar into a key economic, cultural, and civilisational centre in East Africa and the Islamic world. Its achievements spanned several domains:

4.1 Economic Achievements: Zanzibar as an International Trade Centre

• By the mid-19th century, Zanzibar had become one of the most important commercial ports in the Indian Ocean, exporting cloves, ivory, gold, and coconuts to Asian and European markets, and importing textiles, rice, spices, and manufactured goods.
• The Sultanate introduced clove cultivation to Zanzibar, eventually monopolising its global export, earning it the title “Island of Cloves.”
• The Omani fleet became a naval force that protected trade ships and secured navigation routes against piracy, extending its influence from Mogadishu in the north to Mozambique in the south.
• Treaties signed with the US (1833), Britain, and France solidified international recognition of Zanzibar as a sovereign and influential entity.

4.2 Political and Diplomatic Achievements: An Independent Entity Recognised Globally

• Zanzibar became the first African state to host permanent foreign consulates: American (1837), British, and French – a rarity in the African context at the time.
• The Sultanate adopted a balanced foreign policy, capitalising on European rivalries to preserve relative independence.
• Sultan Said established an organised administrative system combining traditional Omani practices with modern governance structures, appointing judges and governors in key cities like Mombasa, Lamu, and Pemba.

4.3 Cultural and Intellectual Achievements: Promoting Arabic and Islam

• Arabic was the official language of administration, legislation, and correspondence, and was also used in courts and schools.
• Mosques and Quranic schools flourished in major cities, with the main Friday mosque in Zanzibar serving as a leading religious centre that produced scholars and students from across East Africa.
• Cultural intermarriage between Omanis and Swahilis birthed a unique civilisational identity that embraced Islam, Arabic, and local African traditions, paving the way for Swahili literature written in Arabic script.
• Thousands of official documents and letters in Arabic script have been preserved and are still vital resources for the study of 19th-century Islamic African history.

4.4 Social Achievements: Organisation and Social Integration

• The Sultanate maintained a relatively orderly multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, with Arabs, Persians, Swahilis, Indians, and Africans coexisting under Islamic law.
• Migration and settlement were encouraged, making Zanzibar a destination for merchants, scholars, and migrants from the Gulf, India, Yemen, and Africa.
• Systems were created for taxation, resource distribution, and market regulation, which contributed to stability and a degree of prosperity for the population.

Through these accomplishments, the Zanzibari Sultanate evolved from an Omani outpost into a sovereign African state, culturally diverse and influential in both regional and international contexts.

5. The Zanzibari Sultanate in African Memory: Between Cultural Legacy and Political Nostalgia

The Zanzibari Sultanate was not just a transient political entity in East African history but a turning point in the African consciousness of civilisational identity. It left a profound cultural and spiritual legacy that remains alive in the collective memory of Swahili and Muslim African communities, even long after the sultanate’s decline. This memory is reflected in several key aspects:

5.1 The Endurance of Arabic Language and Culture in East Africa

More than a century after the fall of the Zanzibari Sultanate, the Arabic language continues to play an active role in religious and cultural life in large parts of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. The Swahili language still retains a substantial vocabulary of Arabic origin, one of the clearest indicators of the deep-rooted Omani Islamic influence established during the sultanate.

The Arabic script (“Ajami”) remains in use in some Muslim communities, especially in religious manuscripts and educational texts, serving as a symbolic remnant of that rich civilisational era.

5.2 Islamic Architecture and Historical Mosques

Many architectural landmarks of the sultanate still stand today in key cities such as Stone Town in Zanzibar, where Omani-style mosques, carved doors with Arabic inscriptions, and traditional markets preserve Islamic and Omani heritage.

In 2000, Stone Town was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its cultural and architectural value, as a living expression of the Zanzibari era.

5.3 Political and Historical Nostalgia

Among African circles, especially in post-independence generations, the Zanzibari Sultanate is remembered as an example of independent Islamic local governance that was able to maintain a balance between internal administration and external diplomacy.

Contemporary African elites often refer to the sultanate as a model worth re-evaluating in the context of decolonising historical narratives and reclaiming indigenous political legacies.

5.4 Dual Identity and Pride in Omani Roots

Many coastal African populations, particularly in Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and Mombasa, continue to take pride in their Omani roots. Families still bear surnames indicative of their tribal origins in Oman (e.g., Al-Hina’i, Al-Busaidi, Al-Hilali).

This dual heritage has fostered a spirit of cultural openness and cosmopolitan identity among coastal inhabitants, who feel connected both to Africa and the Arab world.

5.5 Popular Memory and Local Literature

Swahili folklore and local legends continue to recall the figure of Sultan Said bin Sultan and the grandeur of the Zanzibari Sultanate. Stories are still told in villages about the “Arab Sultan” who arrived with ships, spread Islam, built markets, and introduced civilisation.

In this sense, the Zanzibari Sultanate is not merely a page from the past, but a living part of the cultural, geographic, and spiritual consciousness of East Africa, explaining the continued academic interest it receives in modern African studies.

6. Causes of the Zanzibari Sultanate’s Decline: From Internal Division to British Occupation (1896)

Despite its political and economic strength in the 19th century, the Zanzibari Sultanate did not withstand international changes and accumulated internal challenges. It formally collapsed in 1896 after the “Shortest War in History” against Britain, though its actual decline had begun earlier due to a range of interlinked factors:

6.1 Political Division After the Death of Sultan Said (1856)

Following Sultan Said’s death, a succession conflict broke out between his sons Majid and Thuwaini. Majid remained in Zanzibar while Thuwaini returned to Oman, resulting in the division of the Busaid dynasty into two branches: Omani and Zanzibari.

Although the dispute was resolved through British arbitration, this division weakened the sultanate and limited its external influence.

6.2 European Penetration and Colonial Competition

The 19th century marked the “Scramble for Africa,” with European powers racing to colonise the continent. The Zanzibari Sultanate came under increasing pressure from British, German, and French forces, especially over trade in cloves and ivory.

By 1890, Britain imposed a protectorate agreement on Zanzibar, effectively stripping it of sovereignty and reducing the sultan to a symbolic figure.

6.3 The Battle of Zanzibar (27 August 1896): The Symbolic End

On this date, Sultan Khalid bin Barghash attempted to assert independence and refused British instructions to install a pro-British sultan. The British navy bombarded the palace, and the war lasted between 38 and 45 minutes – the shortest in recorded history – resulting in the collapse of the sultanate and its transformation into a British colony.

6.4 Economic Pressures and the End of the Slave Trade

As European pressure to abolish the slave trade increased – a key pillar of Zanzibar’s economy – the sultanate was forced to sign successive treaties that curtailed its trade and income, leading to the collapse of the plantation-based economy.

6.5 Arab Isolation and Weak Local Integration

Despite long-standing coexistence between Arabs and locals, the Zanzibari Sultanate did not establish a truly inclusive political system that integrated the African population. As a result, its local support base was fragile and left room for European influence under the pretext of “liberating local peoples.”

6.6 Weak Military and Administrative Modernisation

The sultanate failed to keep pace with the technological and military advances of European powers by the late 19th century. Its army was small and poorly equipped, unable to resist British occupation, as clearly shown in the 1896 battle.

6.7 Regional Shifts in the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula

The weakening of the Zanzibari Sultanate coincided with a general decline in Omani influence in the Gulf and the rise of new powers in the Arabian Peninsula, such as the emerging Saudi state, limiting support from the Omani mainland to its Zanzibari branch.

Collectively, these factors led to the official end of the Zanzibari Sultanate as an independent political entity in 1896, though it survived symbolically under British protection until the establishment of the Republic of Tanzania in 1964, following the union of Zanzibar and Tanganyika.

7. The Zanzibari Sultanate in African Historiography

The Zanzibari Sultanate represents a significant chapter in the political and cultural history of East Africa. Many African historians and researchers have given this experience particular attention, especially regarding its relationship with local populations and its role in shaping regional cultural consciousness.

7.1 Reviving the Civilisational Role of the Sultanate

Historians such as Ali Mazrui and Abdul Sheriff view the Zanzibari Sultanate as a civilisational beacon that helped shape East African identity. It provided a space where Arab, Swahili, and Islamic cultures converged and triggered transformations in urban life, education, and trade.

• Mazrui described Zanzibar as “the Andalusia of Africa,” where Arabic and Swahili mixed, and Islamic culture coexisted with local traditions.
• Sheriff argued that the sultanate offered a model of Arab-African governance that could have developed into a more integrated political entity, had it not been for colonial intervention.

7.2 Criticism of Arab Elitism and Political Detachment

Conversely, some African scholars critique the aristocratic nature of Arab governance under the sultanate. They argue that it failed to build a comprehensive model of citizenship and was dominated by an elite class of Omanis and Indians who controlled key political and economic positions.

• Tanzanian researcher Eric Chifu cited the detachment of the ruling elite from indigenous populations and the absence of a fair integration project as major causes for the sultanate’s fall.
• Studies of the 1964 Zanzibar Revolution suggest that historical grievances dating back to the sultanate played a key role in fuelling later popular unrest, even though the revolution occurred decades after the sultanate’s formal end.

7.3 Swahili Historiography: The Sultanate as a Cultural Identity

Oral history and Swahili sources indicate that many communities in Tanzania and Kenya retain positive memories of the sultanate, especially in areas that benefited from educational, commercial, and religious links with the Islamic world.

• In the writings of historian Muhammad Said Abdulla, Zanzibar is portrayed as a “City of Light” that spread education through Quranic schools, printed Qur’ans, and scholarly circles.
• Swahili songs and poetry from the era reflect pride in agricultural and trade prosperity under Sultan Said and his son Barghash.

7.4 Cultural Interaction, Not Racial Conflict

Contrary to some Western readings, African historians often reject framing Arab-African relations in Zanzibar as a purely racial conflict. Instead, they emphasise complex cultural interaction that included marriage, assimilation, and collaboration, especially in rural societies.

• Kenyan researcher Amina Abdullah highlighted that “the Swahili language itself is the product of this interaction, not a result of Arab colonial imposition as some claim.”

7.5 Religious and Intellectual Legacy

Islamic African historians particularly highlight the sultanate’s contributions to spreading Islam and Islamic education deep into the continent – through missionary work, scholarly exchanges, and trade caravans.

• Scholar Ahmad Nasser Jumaa from the University of Dar es Salaam argued that the sultanate “was not merely a political state, but a home for Islamic schools that influenced communities in Central Africa.”

From this perspective, the Zanzibari Sultanate remains a nuanced historical model – one that combined civilisational ambition with political shortcomings, cultural integration with social hierarchy, making it a rich field for rethinking Islamic governance in African contexts.

8. The Zanzibari Sultanate in Western Historiography and Orientalist Writings

Since the 19th century, the Zanzibari Sultanate has featured prominently in Western historical and orientalist literature due to its strategic importance in the Indian Ocean and its connections to major themes such as slavery, maritime trade, and imperial rivalry in East Africa. Perspectives have varied from admiration for Omani civilisation in Zanzibar to sharp criticism of its social and economic structures, often filtered through colonial lenses.

8.1 Zanzibar: “Oman of Africa” in Orientalist Writings

British orientalist Richard Burton, who visited Zanzibar in 1857, described the city as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” and “the cultural and commercial capital of overseas Oman.” He praised the advanced administrative and trade systems he observed under Sultan Said bin Sultan, noting that Zanzibar “surpassed many European cities in cleanliness and vitality.”

German orientalist Gustav Nachtigal focused on the intertwined Omani-Swahili influence, considering the sultanate more a centre for cultural exchange than a straightforward colonial project, contrasting later British imperial narratives.

8.2 Conditional British Critique: Slavery and Naval Dominance

Many British historians and colonial officials paid particular attention to slavery under the Zanzibari Sultanate, later using it as a moral justification for British intervention. Historian Frederick Lugard labelled the sultanate “a feudal regime based on slave exploitation,” although he also acknowledged its administrative and cultural achievements.

This politicised historical framing was used to amplify Arab class oppression in Zanzibar and legitimise British colonial rule, especially following the 1890 British protectorate agreement.

8.3 A More Balanced French Perspective

In contrast to British narratives, some French historians such as Jean Coppolani and Charles-André Julien offered more nuanced views. They regarded the Zanzibari Sultanate as a semi-independent and successful state that maintained maritime security, established trade routes, and upheld traditional religious education systems.

Julien noted that Sultan Said “leveraged global trade in favour of Zanzibar without compromising his Islamic identity, successfully making the city a hub for interaction between the Arab world, Africa, and India.”

8.4 Zanzibar in Western Archives: A Neglected Documentary Wealth

Western archives, particularly in Britain and India, house vast collections of Zanzibari-related documents, including consular reports, diplomatic correspondence, trade maps, and travellers’ accounts. However, much of this material remains under-researched.

Notable sources include:

• Letters between British consul Hamerton and Sultan Said.
• Reports from the British Navy on navigation in the Indian Ocean.
• Records of the Zanzibari Sharia court preserved in the Zanzibar National Archives.

8.5 Recent Orientalist Studies: Challenging Old Narratives

In recent years, post-colonial scholarship has brought shifts in Western historiography of Zanzibar. Historians such as John Mitchell and Mark Horton have begun to deconstruct colonial-era stereotypes, instead highlighting the civilisational accomplishments of the sultanate and its role in intercultural exchange.

• Horton writes: “It is unjust to reduce the Zanzibari Sultanate to a slave-based institution. It was a state with functioning institutions and a local government structure with real cultural and political impact.”

These revised perspectives show that the Zanzibari Sultanate was not merely a local political formation but also a contested site of historical interpretation, straddling admiration for its culture and critique shaped by imperial agendas.

9. The Zanzibari Sultanate in Modern Research and Contemporary Studies

In recent decades, the Zanzibari Sultanate has received increasing attention from academic research institutions and think tanks. Scholars aim to deepen understanding of its history and legacy and explore its influence on the cultural and political landscape of East Africa. These studies cover historical, anthropological, developmental, and religious dimensions, with the main research trends summarised as follows:

9.1 Reassessing the Sultanate’s Civilisational Role

Institutions such as the Institute of African Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam and the Swahili Research Centre in Kenya are re-evaluating the Zanzibari Sultanate as an integral part of African Islamic civilisation and a key contributor to Swahili identity.

• Recent studies highlight the Sultanate’s role in local administrative development, religious education, and economic stimulation.
• Research also examines how cultural and social interactions shaped the hybrid identity of coastal East African societies.

9.2 Socioeconomic Studies

Development research centres such as the East African Centre for Development Studies explore how the Sultanate’s legacy impacts modern development efforts, particularly in sectors such as clove agriculture and cultural tourism.

• These studies investigate how Zanzibari heritage can be leveraged to promote eco-tourism and cultural entrepreneurship, creating economic opportunities for youth.
• Scholars also analyse the legacy of the Sultanate’s plantation economy on current wealth distribution and development disparities.

9.3 Political Studies and Contemporary Transformations

Political science researchers in Tanzania and Kenya study the Zanzibari Sultanate as a case of decentralised governance amid cultural and territorial diversity.

• They assess how the Sultanate contributed to shaping Zanzibar’s national identity and its current federal relationship with mainland Tanzania.
• Research also delves into the impact of key historical events, such as the 1964 Revolution, on ethnic and political dynamics.

9.4 Religious and Intellectual Studies

The Zanzibari Sultanate holds special significance in contemporary Islamic studies, especially at institutions like the Institute of Islamic Studies in Zanzibar. Researchers explore the Sultanate’s approach to Islamic governance and its place for Sharia law in public administration.

• Studies highlight the roles of religious scholars, the spread of Quranic education, and the rise of Sufi movements during the period.

9.5 International Collaboration and Academic Conferences

In recent years, many academic conferences have focused on the history of the Zanzibari Sultanate, often in partnership between East African universities and Arab or European institutions.

• These gatherings aim to foster collaborative research projects and promote academic exchange between African and Arab scholars, reflecting a growing interest in the wider history of Islamic kingdoms in Africa.

9.6 Importance of the Sultanate for African Youth Today

Contemporary studies emphasise that the Zanzibari Sultanate’s legacy continues to inspire African youth, particularly through its values of Islamic civilisation, cultural diversity, and political experience.

• The Sultanate is increasingly viewed as a bridge between past and present, Africa and the Arab world, tradition and aspiration – encouraging youth to reclaim history beyond colonial narratives.

In this light, understanding the Zanzibari Sultanate today goes beyond historical curiosity. It offers a multidimensional framework for reconnecting African identity with its rich Islamic heritage and global connections.

10. Conclusion: The Zanzibari Sultanate – A Refined Human Experience Between History and Memory

The Zanzibari Sultanate stands as a unique model in the history of East Africa, blending Omani Islamic heritage with Swahili African life, and combining sovereign political governance with a multicultural identity. It served as a proud civilisational bridge, encompassing economic, cultural, religious, and social dimensions that left a profound impact on a region known for its diversity and deep historical roots.

From its establishment by Sultan Said bin Sultan in the 19th century to its decline under British colonial pressure, the Sultanate represented a model of effective local governance and intercultural civilisation, without losing its Islamic and ethnic identity.

The writings of African and Western historians, alongside contemporary academic research, highlight the complex legacy of this human experience – one marked by strength and fragility, openness and challenge, integration and distinction.

For African youth and coastal communities today, the Zanzibari Sultanate remains a source of pride and cultural identity, a guiding memory that offers alternatives to colonial interpretations of African history.

Ultimately, the Zanzibari Sultanate invites us to look deeper into the history of Islamic kingdoms in Africa, and to reflect on the power of human agency in building civilisation, preserving knowledge, and leaving an enduring mark on collective memory.

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References :

1. Mazrui, Ali A. The Africans: A Triple Heritage. Boston: Little, Brown, 1986.

2. Sheriff, Abdul. Slaves, Spices and Ivory in Zanzibar: Integration of East African Coastal Society. London: James Currey, 1987.

3. Burton, Richard F. First Footsteps in East Africa. London: Longman, 1856.

4. Lugard, Frederick. The Dual Mandate in British Tropical Africa. London: William Blackwood & Sons, 1922.

5. Chifu, Eric. “Political Integration and Ethnic Conflict in Zanzibar,” Journal of Eastern African Studies, Vol. 12, No. 3 (2018): 435-452.

6. Abdulla, Muhammad Said. A History of Swahili Literature. Nairobi: East African Educational Publishers, 1994.

7. Mitchell, John. Reassessing the History of Zanzibar. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2015.

8. Horton, Mark. “Zanzibar: Beyond the Slave Trade,” African Historical Review, Vol. 40, No. 1 (2008): 1-20.

9. Coppolani, Jean. Les Protectorats Français en Afrique. Paris: Presses Universitaires de France, 1965.

10. Julien, Charles-André. History of North Africa. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1970.

11. Nasser Juma, Ahmed. “Islamic Law and Governance in Zanzibar,” Journal of Islamic Studies, Vol. 21, No. 4 (2012): 399-416.

12. Various archives: Zanzibar National Archives; British Library Oriental Collections.