Zanzibar People

If you’ve ever visited Zanzibar, you’ll know that apart from white beaches, turquoise water, and sun-kissed palms, there’s a magic ingredient — the people. Thanks to the country’s history, Zanzibar is an eclectic mix of African, Asian, Arab, and European ancestries. Let’s take a look.  

How Did Zanzibar People Get There? A Brief History

The first permanent inhabitants of Zanzibar were Bantu-speaking Africans from the Great Lakes area who settled in about 1000 A.D., However, Stone Age implements found on the island indicate human presence 20,000 years ago. 

The Persian Influence

The next inhabitants were the Persians, who began settling in the 10th century and assimilated with the local Bantu-speaking Africans. This is reflected in the fact that the two Indigenous tribes in Zanzibar, the Hadimu and the Tumbatu, refer to themselves as Shirazi after the Persian principality of Shiraz. 

Arab Omani Power 

The ties between Zanzibar, Persia, Arabia, and India continued to flourish from the 12th to the 15th century, and the port of Zanzibar became a commercial giant. Arabs became the aristocracy of Zanzibar, particularly those from Oman, who acquired land, wealth, and influence.

The Omani Arabs became de facto rulers, and in 1840, the Sultan of Omar relocated his capital to Zanzibar. The 18th and 19th centuries were times of rapid growth of the slave trade, as well as trading ivory and spices to and from India and Asia.

Britain to the Rescue?

Britain’s involvement in Zanzibar from 1840 resulted in them installing their choice of Sultan after the 1896 Anglo-Zanzibar War, which lasted 38 minutes. Slavery was banned by the new Sultan, slaves were released to join the Zanzibar community, and Britain continued to govern until 1963. 

Independence under Sultan Jamshid Bin Abdullah lasted only a few months before a revolution in 1964 ousted him and set off anti-Arab riots, which resulted in 17,000 deaths and exodus by most Arabs.

Zanzibar People Today

With that history as a background, one can understand the make-up of the Zanzibar people: 

• The Shirazi, or African-Persian descendants, comprised the Hadimu in the south of Zanzibar and the Tumbatu in the north

• Descendants of the slaves freed under British rule in the 19th century

• Africans from the mainland

• Arabs, some of whom have returned to Zanzibar after the 1964 revolution

• A small number of Asians from Pakistan and India

• An even smaller number of Europeans

Religion

97% of the Zanzibar people follow the Islamic faith, with the remaining 3% being Hindu or Christian.

Language

• The official language of Zanzibar is Swahili, the local dialect being Kianguja.

• Arabic is widely spoken by the Arab minority and others because of the past Arab influence and the Islamic religion.

• English is a school subject, widely understood and spoken.

Is Zanzibar an Island?

Well, yes — and no. Zanzibar is an archipelago of over fifty islands, the largest being Unguja, commonly known as Zanzibar Island. 

Conclusion

Zanzibar is a fascinating place to visit, an exotic blend of Africa, Asia, Arabia, and Europe. The people are no less interesting, with bloodlines going back to Oman, mainland Africa, and indigenous ancestors. Let Tanzania Safaris organize a tour of this unique island you'll never forget!