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Discover the curiosities concealed in the history of Zanzibar

Located off the coast of Tanzania, the country to which it belongs, we find the idyllic island of Unguja, also known by the same name as the archipelago to which it belongs: Zanzibar. Known worldwide for its beautiful sweeping beaches, as well as boasting unique flora and fauna, Zanzibar conceals a fascinating history with hundreds of curiosities that you should be aware of if you intend to visit. That is what we are here for: to help you to unearth the curiosities concealed in the history of Zanzibar. Are you ready?

Colour television

Although colour television did not appear on the Tanzanian peninsula until well into the nineties, in Zanzibar they were able to abandon viewing in black and white long before that, in 1973. It was the first place in Africa to have access to this great technological advance.

Birthplace of an idol of the masses

In Zanzibar, on 5 September 1946, a genuine idol was born: Farrokh Bomi Bulsara. Maybe his real name is not so familiar, but you would surely know who we were talking about if we were to use his stage name: Freddie Mercury. The leader of the rock group Queen was born in Stone Town, the island’s capital.

The brief independence of Zanzibar

In December 1963, Zanzibar achieved independence from Great Britain, of which it had been a protectorate since the end of the 19th century. They did this by constituting the Popular Republic of Zanzibar and Pemba, something that would last just a few short months. In April 1964, Zanzibar was incorporated into the continental state of Tanganika, thus forming part of the United Republic of Tanganika and Zanzibar, renamed years later as the Republic of Tanzania.

The shortest war in history

Known as the Anglo-Zanzibar War, the armed conflict experienced in Zanzibar in 1896 was the shortest in history. A ceasefire was declared after 38 minutes of the start of hostilities which allowed Great Britain to continue having Zanzibar as a protectorate.

As you can see, the history of Zanibar has a thousand and one anecdotes and curiosities which, in some cases, help to better understand the past and present of the place. These are just a few that we’ve been able to tell you about, and the rest we would love you to discover for yourself by visiting Zanzíbar. The Riu Palace Zanzibar, situated in the north of the island, is our suggestion for you to get to know more of the destination’s stories. We know you’ll be fascinated!