Magical Zanzibar

It’s very difficult not to be enamored with Zanzibar. After all, who could resist an island filled with generously friendly people, surrounded by pristine waters that change their blues depending on the time of day, wafting aromas of cloves, coconut and curry, as well as rooftops, buildings and alleyways that beckon to all for exploration. Zanzibar is a feast for the senses.

Anyone who’s studied East African works of art has probably heard about Unguja (a.k.a. Zanzibar)—the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago. But even if you haven’t studied architecture, Zanzibar’s coral stone buildings and corrugated iron rooftops—intermingled with minarets, temple towers, and church spires of the ancient city, and of course doorways—will pique your interest. In fact, most visitors to Stone Town will most mention, amongst their tales of this spectacular city, the beautiful carved doors, ubiquitous and beguiling, that adorn the streets of that Tanzanian island’s biggest city.

Tanzania covers a geographic area of about one and a half times the state of Texas, and is home to about 30 million people. Indigenous Tanzanians exist side-by-side with Indian, Pakistani, Arab, and European populations. Zanzibar, which is located about 36 miles kilometers (about 22 miles) off the coast of Tanzania, is home today to about 1 million people, 95% of whom follow the laws of Islam. Stone Town, whose population hovers at around 300,000, is as bustling as it is intriguing. From dawn, marked by golden light, dark blue waters, many crows, and the enchanting music of the muezzins’ call to prayer, to dusk, in Forodhani Gardens—where one can watch the sun being swallowed by the Indian Ocean and enjoy a variety of the islands grilled treats—the wonders of this rich, culturally diverse city are just too numerous to mention.

The doors are one of the most fascinating aspects of this island’s culture. Zanzibaris say that the doors were traditionally carved prior to the building of a home and that the homes were built around them.These centerpieces reflected the wealth of those who lived behind them; the more prosperous occupants’ homes donned the most elaborately carved versions. And just as the island’s inhabitants boast Omani, Indian, and, of course, Swahili heritages, doors do the same. For example, the Indian-style doorways are studded with spikes; this design boasts a heritage of preventing elephants from battering the doors down. Most of the Arab doors have Koranic verses carved into the tops of the doors. The words from the Koran are said to be both holy and protective. In addition to the cultural influences, the designs often reflect both the maritime and mercantile history of the region. Some of this ornate woodwork is also apparent on some of the islands many dhows, sailboats that romantically dot the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

Perhaps the most mystical aspect of the doorways is not what is visible, but what lies behind. The doorways, which lead into homes, restaurants, and more, are pathways into worlds that seem more fairy-tale like than anything else. This is probably why visitors to Zanzibar always promise to return.