Kilwa Kisiwani

Kilwa Kisiwani is an Islamic community on an island off the coast of East Africa, in present day Tanzania.

In the 9th century it was sold to a trader Ali bin Al-Hasan and over the following centuries it grew to be a major city and trading centre along that coast, and inland as far as Zimbabwe. Trade was mainly in Gold and Iron from Zimbabwe, Ivory and slaves from Tanzania, and textiles, jewellery, porcelain and spices from Asia.

By the 13th century t had become the most powerful city on the East African coast, and its influence stretched as far south as Mozambique. Much 0f its written history comes from a Moroccan traveller (Abu Abdullah Ibn Batuta), and from Portuguese sailors.

In the 15th century it was conquered by Portugal, whose forces built a garrison there and took control of trade.

In 1981 it was declared a World Heritage Site, and noted visitor sites are the Great Mosque, the Mkutini Palace and some remarkable ruins.