Slave Trade
The most disgraceful part of Zanzibar’s history was the slave trade, which went on for centuries. There was a great expansion of this odious trade after the rise of Islam, which forbade the enslavement of Moslems. Slaves were exported all around the Indian Ocean, both to Moslem countries, and to European Christian plantation owners on the islands of Mauritius and Reunion. Large numbers of slaves were also purchased by the Portuguese to take around the Cape of Good Hope to Brasil. It has been estimated that close to 600,000 slaves were sold through Zanzibar between 1830 and 1873, when slavery was officially abolished here. The trade continued illegally until the early 20th century.
We toured the tiny airless underground cells where human beings were held awaiting sale. Many died of suffocation and disease. The ships used to transport them were little better than the cells, and many more died en route. A monument has been erected to commemorate (see photo) this barbarous time.
The Anglican Cathedral was built on the site of the old slave market.
One of the early campaigners against slavery was the Scottish explorer David Livingstone, of “Dr. Livingstone, I presume”. He turned out to be a great friend of the African people, unlike many colonial missionaries.
The most disgraceful part of Zanzibar’s history was the slave trade, which went on for centuries. There was a great expansion of this odious trade after the rise of Islam, which forbade the enslavement of Moslems. Slaves were exported all around the Indian Ocean, both to Moslem countries, and to European Christian plantation owners on the islands of Mauritius and Reunion. Large numbers of slaves were also purchased by the Portuguese to take around the Cape of Good Hope to Brasil. It has been estimated that close to 600,000 slaves were sold through Zanzibar between 1830 and 1873, when slavery was officially abolished here. The trade continued illegally until the early 20th century.
We toured the tiny airless underground cells where human beings were held awaiting sale. Many died of suffocation and disease. The ships used to transport them were little better than the cells, and many more died en route. A monument has been erected to commemorate (see photo) this barbarous time.
The Anglican Cathedral was built on the site of the old slave market.
One of the early campaigners against slavery was the Scottish explorer David Livingstone, of “Dr. Livingstone, I presume”. He turned out to be a great friend of the African people, unlike many colonial missionaries.
Fabulous, and grim. How is the town, and how was the music festival?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Eric, Happy Birthday! I can't think of a better way to celebrate the big 6-0.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Eric!
ReplyDeleteGeorgia