Photos

Stone Town or Mji Mkongwe, in Swahili meaning "ancient town", is the old part of Zanzibar City (or Unguja Mjini) - the capital of the island of Unguja, informally known as Zanzibar, a part of Tanzania. Stone Town was the centre of trade on the East African coast between Asia and Africa in the late 1800s with the main export being spices (particularly cloves). For many years, however, Stone Town was also a major centre for the slave trade. Slaves were obtained from mainland Africa and traded with the Middle East.

Stone Town, itself, consists of a warren of narrow alleys to houses, shops, bazaars, and mosques. Cars are often too wide to drive down many of the maze of winding streets. Its Swahili architecture incorporates elements of Arab, Persian, Indian, European and African styles. The Arab houses are notable for their large and ornately carved wooden doors.

This street pictured in the photo is in the Hurumzi ward – a stronghold of the opposition CUF (Civic United Front) political party, whose colors, red, white and blue, dominate this part of town. Nearby is Jaw’s Corner, the local coffee place or mikihawa, where men gather to relax and exchange information.

"I Think I Might Join The Fun
But I Had To Hit And Run
See I Just Can't Settle Down
In A Kinky Part Of Town
Ride On"

Bob Marley, Kinky Reggae