Spice Island & Trade
What is the reason for Zanzibar being referred to as the “Spice Island”?
Zanzibar earned the nickname “Spice Island” due to its historical fame for producing spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Which nation set up trading posts on Zanzibar in the 15th century?
In the 15th century, the Portuguese set up trading posts in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar became a protectorate of which country?
In 1890, Zanzibar was established as a British protectorate.
Which language is primarily spoken in Zanzibar?
Swahili
Which traditional music genre combines elements of Arabic, African, and Indian music?
Taarab
What other significant trade, apart from spices, influenced Zanzibar’s history?
Another significant trade that influenced the history of Zanzibar was the slave trade.
Who gained control of Zanzibar in 1698?
Zanzibar came under the Omanis Sultanate's control in 1698.
What was the duration of history's shortest war?
Around 38 minutes.
What function does English serve in the classroom?
In secondary schools and higher education, English is the language of instruction.
In the 19th century, the Sultan of Oman relocated his capital to which city?
Stone Town
What was the significance of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean trade?
Due to its strategic position, Zanzibar became a vital port linking Africa, Arabia, India, and later Europe, enabling the trade of spices, ivory, and slaves.
What defined the 1896 war?
The war of 1896 is recognized as the briefest war in history, with a duration of merely around 38 minutes.
What were the consequences of the sultan's failure to step down in 1896?
The Sultan, in order to keep his authority, turned down the opportunity to abdicate, which resulted in a clash with the British.
What effects did British rule have on language usage?
English was introduced during British rule and continued to be used in trade, education, and administration after independence.
Name one Arabic-influenced architectural element in Zanzibar.
Ornate wooden doors, mosques, narrow streets, Traditional clothing.
What cultures had an impact on Swahili culture?
Swahili culture was shaped by Arab, Persian, Indian, and African influences, resulting in a blend of language, architecture, and traditions.
What was the reason for Britain's intervention in Zanzibar?
The intervention by Britain aimed to assist a sultan who was aligned with British interests and to regulate trade routes.
In what way did British rule affect administration?
The British established administration, legal systems, and infrastructure development in the Western style.
What effects do regional languages have on Zanzibari English?
Swahili creates a unique Zanzibari English by influencing vocabulary, sentence structure, and pronunciation.
Why is the collective memory of Zanzibar still shaped by the history of the slave trade?
because it was a significant historical occurrence that had a lasting impact on society and is still remembered.
Explain the influence of trade on the formation of Zanzibar’s identity.
Trade brought prosperity, a variety of cultures, and a cosmopolitan community to Zanzibar, endowing it with a distinctive identity as a cultural and economic center.
What event occurred in 1964?
The Zanzibar Revolution in 1964 overthrew the Sultan and resulted in the establishment of the People’s Republic of Zanzibar, which subsequently combined with Tanganyika to create Tanzania.
What was the reason for English to continue being important after independence?
English continued to hold significance for administration, education, and global communication.
Why is English crucial to Zanzibar's tourism industry today?
English facilitates communication with foreign visitors, boosting the travel and tourism sector.
Why do so many Zanzibaris identify as both Tanzanian and Zanzibari?
because, despite being a part of Tanzania, Zanzibar has its own historical and cultural identity and is semi-autonomous.