Exploring Kilwa Kisiwani: The ancient East African city of gold and empire, by Gift Luckson
Kilwa Kisiwani is an ancient island city off the coast of present-day Tanzania and one of the most powerful centres of the medieval Swahili civilisation.
According to the legend, it was founded in the 10th century by Ali ibn al-Hassan Shirazi, a Persian prince of Shiraz.
Between the 11th and 16th centuries, Kilwa dominated the Indian Ocean trade, connecting Africa to Arabia, Persia, India, and China.
Key Features and Significance
READ ALSO: Hannah Bond: From hardship to becoming the first enslaved woman to write a book, by Gift Luckson
Kilwa controlled the gold trade from the Zimbabwe Plateau, making it one of the wealthiest cities in East Africa.
It is home to impressive coral-stone structures, including:
• The Great Mosque of Kilwa—one of the earliest mosques on the East African coast.
• The Husuni Kubwa Palace—a massive 100-room royal residence overlooking the sea.
• Husuni Ndogo—a smaller fortified structure used for defence.
A Cosmopolitan Hub
Kilwa blended African, Arab, and Persian influences, creating a unique Swahili culture known for its language, trade, and craftsmanship.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
It was recognised for its outstanding historical and archaeological value, alongside nearby Songo Mnara.
Kilwa Kisiwani stands as proof that Africa had thriving, advanced, and globally connected cities long before European contact.
READ ALSO: Jericho: The great ancient city gripped by turmoil and struggle for control, by Gift Luckson
It showcases the sophistication of the Swahili Coast and its crucial role in global trade.
Discoveries
In 1944, nine coins were found on Marchinbar Island, the largest island in the Wessel Islands of the Northern Territory of Australia. While four coins were identified as Dutch duits dating from 1690 to the 1780s, five with Arabic inscriptions were identified as being from the Kilwa Sultanate.
The coins are now held by the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Australia. In 2018, another coin, also thought to be from Kilwa, was found on a beach on Elcho Island, another of the Wessel Islands.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
