As early as the 11th century, the island of Zanzibar, situated off the coast of Tanzania, was strongly influenced by the Arab Islamic world. Even the language Kiswahili (Swahili), which is spoken in all of East Africa, reflects this influence, since it contains many Arabic words. The population of Zanzibar is now 450,000 and is composed of Africans (Bantus), Arabs and Indians. Although they come from different backgrounds, 98 per cent are Muslims. (Image from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zanzibar.)
Colonialism in Zanzibar, Tanzania
After being colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the island became Arabic once again in the 18th century. A sultanate was created under the supremacy of the Sultan of Oman, who transferred the seat of his government to Zanzibar. These events marked the beginning of new developments on the island, both for good and evil.
Zanzibar became the main regional commercial centre for all sorts of merchandise, including slaves. Stonetown, the capital of Zanzibar, had a huge slave market, where Arabs sold the African slaves captured on the continent to slave traders from all over the world. During the same period, and because of the island's favourable climate, spice plants began to be cultivated in large plantations. Zanzibar became the most important producer of spices (especially cloves) in the world for nearly two centuries. Because of this commercial success and a progressive government under the sultan, Zanzibar became the first African nation with electricity and even the first in Africa to have an elevator!
After a period of German and later English colonisation the island obtained its independence in 1963. Within one year, however, a revolt removed the Sultan of Oman from power. In 1964, Zanzibar and the continental (mainland) region of Tanganyika united to form a new nation: the United Republic of Tanzania. Today, however, there are more and more voices demanding complete emancipation from the continent.
Island paradise of Zanzibar, Tanzania
Apart from its cloves, the island is known as a tourist paradise. Each year, white beaches and palm trees attract thousands of tourists from all over the world. Stonetown has kept the charm of its Arabic past. Narrow streets between multi-storey stone houses and the famous centuries old carved wooden gates show aspects of Zanzibar's eventful history.
Tanzania Flag
Map pf Tanzania
Even though Zanzibar has been dominated by Islam for centuries, Christians have been able to lay the foundations for a solid local church, and to plant several Christian fellowships. There are Lutheran, Anglican, Catholic and independent churches, which have the freedom to celebrate services and to witness. It is true that they have not had a lot of influence on the public life in Zanzibar so far, but they have survived for more than two centuries, despite the dominance of Islam. However, witnessing is viewed as proselytisation and frowned on by the authorities. Several people who have been deported from Zanzibar for doing so, and this really hampers the Church from expanding. On Pemba where radical Islam reigns it is even more difficult. On the mainland it is quite different, and there is much greater freedom, but sadly nominalism dampens the opportunities far too often.
Prayer for Tanzania:
* Pray for God to strengthen and equip the Christians in Zanzibar, so that they will be able to live out their faith and witness.
* Pray for a targeted and culturally relevant witness of the church in this society completely dominated by Islam, despite the challenges and dangers.
* Pray for more evangelistic literature in Swahili.
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Pray for Zanzibar:
* for the small, but growing, Evangelical Church in Zanzibar
* for the growing power of radical Islam to be broken
* for Jesus to reveal Himslef through dreams, visions, and revelations
* for much Christian literature, radio, etc. in Swhaili
* for widespread distribution of the Jesus "film" in Swhaili on the island
* for wisedom on the issue of independenace
i would like to say that population of Zanzibar is 98% not 3%
god(Allah)saying every thing belong to him!also the real religion which like to him is Islam,not other religion ??so i give advice you come to true religion, ref:bibles & Quran!