The African spice route

The African spice route

The African spice route

Zanzibar is an archipelago that forms a semi-autonomous part of the state of Tanzania. Situated in the Indian Ocean East of the Seychelles and North of Mauritius the area has a history of spice trade and slavery. It is this rich history with Arabic traders that make it an interesting place to visit from a historical point of view as well as a place to enjoy all year round beautiful weather.

First used by Persian traders as a base for trade between the, Middle East, India and Africa. The island of Unguja offered a naturally protected harbour and the Persians settled in what became Zanzibar City meaning Stone Town, it was used as a safe base from which to trade with East African Coastal towns. So although the island itself offered little in terms of natural produce to new explorers,the Persians established a garrison on the island for security purposes and built the first mosques to be found in the Southern Hemisphere.

The first European nation to gain power of Zanzibar was Portugal who recognised its natural harbour and proximity to both India and Africa as an ideal location for a base from which to administer trade. The Portuguese ruled the island for nearly 200 years. Until 1698 when the Arab Sultanate of Oman took power and introduced the trade, economy and cash crops for which Zanzibar is best known. The island was ruled by elite Arabic landowners and the slave trade on Zanzibar flourished under the plantation system that was introduced to cultivate spices. During this time period Zanzibar became the biggest slave trading port on the African East coast and it is estimated that some 50 000 slaves passed through here every year. Another major source of trade for the island was ivory, with expeditions reaching as far inland as the Congo River basin.

Around the end of the nineteenth century Zanzibar started to change hands into the power of the British. This was in part due to the movement for the abolition of slavery. In 1890 Germany, been the closest relevant coloniser, signed a treaty with Britain not to interfere with British interest in Zanzibar and the island thus became a British protectorate. The death of the current Sultan, who was pro-British, in 1896 lead to what is now known as the shortest war in history. Quite how it is defined as a war is beyond most historians, but it holds that title and even has a name, The Anglo-Zanzibar War. It lasted all of 39 minutes and consisted of a bombardment of the Beit al Hukum Palace by the Royal Navy. After 38 minutes of acting like cannon fodder the ruling Sultan signed a peace treaty and Zanzibar passed into British control.

Zanzibar is still famous for its spices and the name "The Spice Islands," also associated with the Indonesian islands sticks today. Today Zanzibar's main sources of income are spices, raffia and tourism. Cloves, Nutmeg, Cinnamon and Pepper are still the predominant spices that are grown on the island.

POST COMMENT

Slippers Can Help You Relax So Choose the Right Pair Looking for a Cheap Hotel this spring? Enjoy the different Halloween costumes from Halloween wholesale club Montblanc's Twist with Celebrities and Personalities How Low Cost Country Manufacturing Affects The Consumer Evaluating Washington Capitals Tickets, Classic Jerseys And Seating Charts An african play 2011 Taiwan Youth Cup Has Ended Successfully The Cape To Rio lies at the heart of yachting in South Africa Dubai in the Spotlight: Jumeirah Beach The Ideal Retirement Place Discover The Quiet Splendour Of Holidays In Playa Blanca Basic American Football Positions