Explore the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani Tanzania : Nestled along the Tanzanian coast lies a hidden treasure trove of history and heritage: Gently at the remnants of the famous historical city, Kilwa Kisiwani. Originally a famous trading harbor and among the wealthiest cities in the region, Kilwa Kisiwani is nowadays situated on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites giving the visitors a chance to appreciate the historical legacy of eastern Africa. Travel with us back in time to pay a visit to a ancient city of Kilwa Kisiwani to know the tale of the past kingdom.
- Introduction to Kilwa Kisiwani:
The city of Kilwa Kisiwani is situated on an island off the coast of the present-day Tanzania and in its dawn, in the 14th and the early 15th century it was one of the most illustrious and important trading centers in the whole of eastern Africa. Between the 9th and the 19th century it was an important trading center connecting the African interior with the Arabian Peninsula and India. Currently, the remains of the ancient city of Kilwa Kisiwani testify to its glorious past, and at the same time, become a kind of guide for studying various aspects of interaction between civilizations on the coast of the Indian Ocean.
- History and Heritage:
Kilwa Kisiwani has evidence of settlement and trade from not less than thousand years ago with some historians estimating it to be from the 9th century AD. There was a time in the past when Kilwa Kisiwani was a melting pot with inhabitants of Swahili-speaking traders, Arabian merchants and black craftsmen. The city’s economy was based on gold, ivory, slaves, and other merchandise, which streamed through the opening seaports and markets.
- Exploring the Ruins:
The name Kilwa Kisiwani is interesting or actually more interesting when it comes to the architecture and the cultural influences that this place welcomes. People can equally go for optional tours with site seeing of the Royal Mozem, Mosques, Palaces, Fortresses, Houses and Commercial Places. Some are the Great Mosque which is the largest medieval mosque this side of East Africa and the Husuni Kubwa palace which comprises of several inter connected stone buildings.
- The Great Mosque of Kilwa:
This indeed is true with Kilwa’s Great Mosque having an imposing tower, coupled with fine carvings. Situated along the Indian Ocean, the mosque was constructed in the 11th century to represent Swahili architectural styles that has been characterized by; Coral stone construction, domed halls of prayer and the central courtyard. Tourists can go upstairs to the top of the minaret to view beautiful scenery of the island and coastal lines.
- Husuni Kubwa Palace:
The existing remains are of the great house also referred to as the Husuni Kubwa which was once a palace of the sultan of Kilwa Kisiwani. Originally, dating back to the 14th century, it was a palace which is a set of building constructions mutually connected with the yards and greens. It has a great size and looks authoritative, which points to the richness and authority of Kilwa’s rulers, who dominated the trade in the coastal region of the Swahili for centuries.
- Cultural Significance:
Besides the historical perspective, Kilwa Kisiwani ruins constitute cultural and religious values to the people of Tanzania. In relation to the island, the Swahili people regard it as a holy ground as they believe that it is their fore fathers’ burial ground. When accessing the ruins, tourists are advised to be sensitive to the local population’s culture and practices and for more information about the island’s anthropological history, take a guided tour.
- Preservation and Conservation:
Kilwa Kisiwani site represents an important culture heritage for the representatives of Tanzania and global community and that is why the authorities of the country and the international organizations involve necessary measures to preserve these partially ruined remnants from the effects of erosion, vandals and other perils. Measures referring to the palace complex concerns preserving the structures, doing some archaeology, and carrying out tourism that is friendly to the environment. Through responsible tourism of visiting and conserving the historical site, the heirs have to come and enjoy beauty that is Kilwa Kisiwani.
Conclusion:
Exploration of Kilwa Kisiwani provides a sneak preview of the historical evolution of eastern African region with a possibility of even picturing how it was before expansion of man kind population. Has the breathtaking mosques and palaces to the crowded markets and streets, makes Kilwa Kisiwani island a living replica of the past wealth of the coastal African region. While walking through the galleries that depict the scenario, breathtaking and full of marvelous architectural ornaments, you will be able to dive into the overall history of Kilwa – its blossoming and decline, – and get a new perspective on the cultural value of the given region.
