Stone Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its outstanding cultural heritage as one of the most important nineteenth-century Swahili coastline trading centres.
Getting lost in time in the town’s narrow winding alleys is a fantastic experience! Stone town is also known for its carved wooden doors, that strike every visitor for their imposing beauty. Traditionally the doors in Zanzibar where the first part to be erected when a house was constructed.
The greater the wealth and status of the house’s owner, the larger and more elaborately carved his front door. Symbolic designs and quotations from the Koran were added as a means for attracting positive energy: a kind of hand-crafted insurance policy.
Waves of the sea climbing up the doorpost represent the livelihood of the Arab merchant to whom the house belonged, while fankincense and date-palms symbolize wealth.
From a darker side of history, chains carved at the side indicate that slaves were held in the house. Some designs are thought to pre-date the Koran: the stylised lotuses could relate to Egyptian fertility symbols, and the fish way possibly represent the protective Syrian goddess Atargatis or the ancient Egyptian fish-god.
The doors are just one of the fascinating images that you will encounter while walking through the town.
Stone Town can be described as a little labyrinth of alleys in which lights and shades mingle together forming dynamic images. You will smell the spicy dishes, hear the sound of old bicycle bells and feel the warmth of local smiles and gestures.
