Africa 24 Media Photography

Known for its production of the pungent yet sweet smelling cloves (a world leader in the 1970s), Zanzibar, part of the republic of Tanzania comprises of an archipelago of many islands and was once a separate state with a long trading history within the Arab world.

This Arab influence is still evident in the people who are a mix of Shirazia (from Persia), Arabs, Comorians (from the Comoros Islands) and the predominant Bantu. About 95% of the Zanzibari population follow Islam, while the remaining percentage is a mix of Christians and Hindu. From origins dating back to the first century AD, the people are diverse, friendly and are also recognized for their hospitality and peaceful coexistence as opposed to any tribal affiliation. The island of origin of the locals determines what tribe they belong to. The Watumbatu tribe would emanate from Tumbato Island, the Wapemba from Pemba Island and Waunguja from Ungunja Island. There’s a tribal rivalry between the latter and the former tribes, but which is more political.  The Zanzibaris speak the most fluent form of Swahili, while English is spoken by most of the Islanders and many have a working knowledge of Italian and Arabic.

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