INSTANT IMMERSION: A FAST CULTURAL GUIDE TO ZANZIBAR
Off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa is an archipelago known for its rich heritage, diverse population, and stunning natural beauty. Zanzibar is tropical and humid, with reliable (relatively short) rainy seasons, sprawling beaches, and plenty of sunshine. It’s also culturally rich, guaranteeing a vibrant and unforgettable experience for visitors. Let’s explore a few insights into the history, people, traditions, cuisine, and art that make Zanzibar such a special destination. Here’s our fast cultural guide to Zanzibar!
Historical Background
Zanzibar’s history is filled with trade, migration, and colonialism. The region's winds put it directly on the Indian Ocean trade routes, where traders and colonists from Arabia, the African mainland, India, South Asia, and beyond could all easily access it. Because of this, Zanzibar has become a melting pot of cultures, languages, and religions.
The first immigrants were African people; the next were Persians who came around the 10th century. Over a brief period, the Persians were absorbed into the local population. Even today, most of Zanzibar’s African population calls themselves “Shirazi,” which is in reference to the ancient Persian principality of Shiraz.
In the 19th century, Zanzibar became the center of the Omani Sultanate, and the Sultan of Oman made it his capital in 1832 due to its location for trade and plentiful natural resources. In 1861, Zanzibar separated from Oman and became an independent sultanate, and many changes in power followed over the years until January 1964, when a revolt from leftists overthrew the sultanate in favor of a republic. Zanzibar then merged with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania.
People and Languages
Zanzibar’s population is quite diverse, consisting of indigenous Africans, Arabic people, Indians, and Europeans. Swahili is the primary language spoken by most people, and although there are many different dialects and versions of it in the region and its surroundings, anyone with a basic grasp of Swahili will be understood. If you’re traveling to Zanzibar, see if you can pick up a few basic Swahili phrases before you go.
Due to the diverse nature of the people there, many other languages are also spoken on the island. Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu, and Konkani are spoken by some Asian communities, and English is also widely used and understood.
Religion and Festivals
Islam is the main religion in Zanzibar. If you’re traveling there, you’ll have the chance to see beautiful mosques dotting the landscape and hear the daily prayer calls echoing in the street. Of course, the island also observes Islamic traditions and festivals, including Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid ul Adha. These are wonderful times to visit, as long as you are mindful of etiquette and respectful of these traditions.
Cuisine
Attention, foodies: Zanzibari cuisine is bound to captivate you! The food there reflects the rich multicultural heritage of the archipelago, blending African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. Staple foods often include rice, plantains, cassava, and seafood, and the most commonly used spices are cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and chili peppers.
Some popular dishes include pilau (a fragrant rice dish with chicken or beef & vegetables), Chipsi Mayai (chips and eggs), and Urojo (a tangy soup made of lentils, potatoes, mango, chili, and tamarind sauce).
See if you can source some ingredients while you’re in Zanzibar and try to make some of your own! There are plenty of recipes to help you along. There are also lots of great options for places to eat out while you’re there, and there’s no better way to enjoy an authentic Zanzibar experience than this.
Music and Dance
Music and dance are an integral part of Zanzibari culture. As you can imagine, due to the diverse nature of the population, the music and dance styles incorporate a lot of different influences!
Something that must be mentioned is Taarab music, a popular genre that actually stemmed from Zanzibar. It originated in the 1880s when the Sultan of Oman brought an ensemble from the Middle East to play in his palace. The style of music they introduced was embraced and eventually took on African and Indian influences. Its poetic lyrics and melodious tunes make it distinct. It often features violin, accordion, zither, tabla drums, and occasionally double bass or cello.
Arts and Crafts
If you’re a fan of handicrafts, you’re looking in the right place! Zanzibar is renowned for its skilled artisans, who produce a wide range of products, from intricate wood carvings and colorful textiles to beautiful jewelry.
Spend some time exploring the markets in Zanzibar, Darajani, and Forodhani especially. You’ll be sure to see a wide variety of wares for sale, including kanga fabrics and spice baskets. You’re quite likely to come across some delicious food, too. These markets are not places to miss!
Environmental Conservation
As with everything in Zanzibar, the ecosystem is very diverse. Coral reefs, mangrove forests, and tropical rainforests support a wide range of land- and ocean-based plant and animal life.
Environmental conservation initiatives aim to protect and preserve these fragile ecosystems, and a few of the main efforts include fighting deforestation, promoting sustainable agriculture, and conserving marine biodiversity.
Also interesting to note is that in 2015, under the Zanzibar Environmental Management Act, the Zanzibar Environmental Management Authority was established. The government branch exists to enforce, review, and monitor all of the environmental activities of Zanzibar. It’s a place that takes its environment seriously, and in times like these, that is an attitude to be respected and imitated!
Fast Cultural Guide To Zanzibar: Final Word
Zanzibar is clearly culturally rich, and the historical significance and natural beauty make it a perfect destination for anyone looking to soak up a bit of East African culture. From its captivating history to its bustling markets and flavourful cuisine to its mesmerizing music and dance traditions, Zanzibar offers an unforgettable cultural experience. What are you waiting for? Head for this spectacular East African archipelago and see for yourself!