Swahili culture

Swahili culture is the culture of the Swahili people inhabiting the Swahili Coast. This littoral area encompasses Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Mozambique, as well as the adjacent islands of Zanzibar and Comoros and some parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. (wiki)

Connected Sites

Site Rationale Link
Fort Jesus Although of Portugese origin, it has some Swahilian touches: "Decorative elements included Swahili kidaka (plastered wall niches) that ran along the east wall at a height of 1.75 meters from the floor." (link)
Great Zimbabwe Ruins Great Zimbabwe was linked to the Swahili Coast trade network, and "The ruins at Great Zimbabwe show some similarities to this coastal style, and also to ancient Madagascan elements such as the 'phallic' tower and the perimeter wall." (wiki)
Island of Mozambique mix of colonial Portuguese and old Swahili architecture
Lamu Old Town the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa (brief descr)
Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara provide exceptional architectural, archaeological and documentary evidence for the growth of Swahili culture and commerce (crit iii)
Stone Town of Zanzibar characteristic Swahili architecture (Unesco website)


Do you know of another WHS we could connect to Swahili culture?

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A connection should:

  1. Not be "self evident"
  2. Link at least 3 different sites
  5. Be explained, with reference to a source