Welcome to Stonetown

When I’m in Stonetown and any non beach resort area in Zanzibar I want to be respectful of it’s conservative Islamic culture. Women, it’s imperative that your shoulders, chest, legs and sometimes head are not exposed. So for me, I travel with a Kanga—a cultural sarong. I am able to take it off when indoors seated and still be respectful by covering up when I’m out walking the streets. 

Behind me is one of the many Zanzibarian doors. No door is the same and they often tell stories of the people who lived inside these homes. These doors are made with heavy teak or mahogany, giving them rich warm colors and a sense of strength and pride. 

I have often shared about how multifaceted Swahili culture is and how that is reflected in the food I create. Like food, Zanzibarian doors reveal that same influence. These doors are influenced by India (small squared shutters embedded into the door and great brass studs is a throwback design once used to stop elephants from breaking down doors in Indian palaces). The Swahili influence is seen in the design (carvings of fish. twisted vines and flowers to represent fertility and reproductive powers). Arab influences can be seen with the intricate carvings seen on the Frieze—a wide decorated panel featuring a sequence of carvings. 

These doors are not something to pass by when you are in Zanzibar or mainland Tanzania. They should be admired as they are a look into the multiculturalism of this historic and fascinating city. Karibu Zanzibar!