What is a Zanzibar door?
The term “Zanzibar doors” is used as a concept referring to the beautifully carved wooden doors all around the Swahili coast. Thus, you will find Zanzibar doors also for example on Lamu Island and Mombasa in Kenya.
How old are Zanzibar doors?
Tracing the trade route of Zanzibar through door art! Door art of Zanzibar dates back to late seventeenth century, that is close to 400 years. Profound pieces of wood is used to build the door, one of the primary foundation of each house.
Why are there chains on the Zanzibar doors?
Famous Zanzibar Doors. There are Indian doors with their arched frames and elaborate brass studs. Some of the Punjabi-influenced doors are also arched at the top. Chains on doors sometimes meant the owners worked in the slave trade.
Who invented the Zanzibar door?
Though these doors are named Zanzibari, they come from India—mostly from the Mumbai region. These doors were introduced by Sultan Barghash in the 18th century with a tinge of western classical feature – pillars carved into the frames.
Which cultures influenced the door designs of Zanzibar?
The convergence of African and Indian cultures, in particular, shaped the culture of Zanzibar more than any other. African and Indian architectural influences pose side-by-side. Rectangular Arab doors are decorated with intricate carvings of lotus flowers and palm leaves. Arabic inscriptions are ubiquitous.
Why visit Zanzibar and Stone Town?
Surreal and sublime, Stone Town is the most evocative of all Africa’s historic destinations. It’s a lively living museum, with mazy streets holding over 1000 years of heritage and secrets. Stone Town is the old part of Zanzibar Town, the largest settlement on the island of the same name.
Why is it called Zanzibar?
It’s the name given to the old part of Zanzibar Town, the island’s capital city. For over 1000 years Zanzibar was a playground for conquerors, conquistadors, silk traders, slave traders, pirates, artisans, calligraphers, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and just about everyone else passing along Africa’s coastline.
How did Zanzibar survive the shortest war in World History?
They even survived the shortest war in world history: Stone Town was bombed by the British for 38 minutes in 1896. For over a millennia travellers and traders came from far and wide. And some of them settled in Zanzibar.
Where is Stone Town?
Stone Town is the old part of Zanzibar Town, the largest settlement on the island of the same name. And now is the time to visit, before the rest of the world wakes up to its beauty. Stone Town is a dreamy place to be, offering a sought-after mix of local culture, welcoming people, rich history and iconic sights.