Zanzibar

Doors are one of the most notable architectural features in Zanzibar, where they express the unique character of every house and building, no matter how humble or simple it is.

The doors are characterized by their rich details and ornate carvings, which represent the identity of the homeowner, and a symbol of status and social standing.

Seaweed farming is an important local industry in Zanzibar, employing over 25,000 farmers, with women making up 80% of its workforce. While the export of seaweed on its own is profitable, processing it into products brings higher returns.

During low tide, the farmers gather the seaweed, attach it to ropes, and let it grow. Once mature, it's harvested and dried in the shade until it turns purple, and then ground into powder. The resulting powder is a key ingredient in many cosmetic products, providing many benefits for the skin.

The markets of Stone Town are brimming with many different goods, reflecting the melding of many different cultures.

The main market in Stone Town is called “Darajani”.

The variation and diversity in architectural styles in Stone Town reflect the fusion of the many cultures that have passed through the island, being an important center for the slave trade during the rule of the Oman reign and the British crown.

Historically, Zanzibar was an important center for the slave trade in East Africa, where captives and African natives were brought to be readied and sold, embarking on brutal trips to different parts of the world. As such, Zanzibar as well played an important role in ending this vulgar trade. In this specific place, and on top of the ruins of the old slave market, this cathedral was built as a symbol of liberation, from slavery and tyranny. The cathedral complex also includes an exhibition and a sculpture to retell the story of the slave trade and how it ended.

Walking down the streets of the old city of Stone Town never gets tiresome. Every corner holds an exciting scene, and the townspeople are more than friendly, never making you feel out of place among them. You can still find newspaper stands there, and you can find the children playing nearby.

In these streets, you can find many street vendors, walls decorated with verses of the Quran, and the house of the musician Freddy Mercury.

Football is considered the most popular sport in Tanzania, where the youth practice it by the beach. In the neighborhood of Forodhani in the old city, the kids’ favorite activity is to play and jump in the water in the afternoon when the tide is high.