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Sayyid Ali bin Hamud Al-Busaid (June 7, 1884 – December 20, 1918) was the eighth Sultan of Zanzibar. Ali ruled Zanzibar from July 20, 1902 to December 9, 1911, having succeeded to the throne on the death of his father, the seventh Sultan.<br/><br/> He served only a few years as sultan because of illness. In 1911 he abdicated in favour of his brother-in-law Sayyid Khalifa bin Harub Al-Busaid.
Sayyid Barghash bin Said Al-Busaid, GCMG, GCTE (1837 – March 26, 1888) (Arabic: برغش بن سعيد البوسعيد‎), son of Said bin Sultan, was the second Sultan of Zanzibar. Barghash ruled Zanzibar from October 7, 1870 to March 26, 1888. Barghash is credited with building much of the infrastructure of Stone Town, including piped water, public baths, a police force, roads, parks, hospitals and large administrative buildings such as the Bait el-Ajaib (House of Wonders).<br/><br/> Barghash was perhaps the last Sultan to maintain a measure of true independence from European control. He did consult with European 'advisors' who had immense influence, but he was still the central figure they wrestled to control. He crossed wits with diplomats from Britain, America, Germany, France and Portugal and was often able to play one country off another in a skillful endgame of pre-colonial chess.
Zanzibar (from Arabic: زنجبار‎ Zanjibār, from Persian: زنگبار‎ Zangibār'Coast of Blacks'; zangi [black-skinned] + bār [coast]) is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania in East Africa. It is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25–50 kilometres (16–31 mi) off the coast of the mainland, and consists of numerous small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar), and Pemba.<br/><br/> The capital of Zanzibar, located on the island of Unguja, is Zanzibar City. Its historic centre, known as Stone Town, is a World Heritage Site and is claimed to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa.<br/><br/> Zanzibar's main industries are spices, raffia, and tourism. In particular, the islands produce cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper. For this reason, the islands, together with Tanzania's Mafia Island, are sometimes called the Spice Islands (a term also associated with the Maluku Islands in Indonesia).
Tippu Tip or Tib (1837 – June 14, 1905), real name Hamad bin Muḥammad bin Jumah bin Rajab bin Muḥammad bin Sa‘īd al-Murghabī, (Arabic: حمد بن محمد بن جمعة بن رجب بن محمد بن سعيد المرجبي‎), was a Swahili-Zanzibari trader. He was famously known by the natives of East Africa as Tippu Tib after the sounds that his many guns made. A notorious slave trader, plantation owner and governor, who worked for a succession of sultans of Zanzibar, he led many trading expeditions into Central Africa, involving the slave trade and ivory trade. He constructed profitable trading posts that reached deep into Central Africa.<br/><br/> He built himself a trading empire that he then translated into clove plantations on Zanzibar. Abdul Sheriff reported that when he left for his twelve years of empire building on the mainland, he had no plantations of his own. However, by 1895, he had acquired 'seven shambas [plantations] and 10,000 slaves'.<br/><br/> His mother, Bint Habib bin Bushir, was a Muscat Arab of the ruling class. His father and paternal grandfather were coastal Swahili who had taken part in the earliest trading expeditions to the interior.<br/><br/> He met and helped several famous western explorers of the African continent, including Henry Morton Stanley. Between 1884 and 1887, El Murgebi claimed the Eastern Congo for himself and for the Sultan of Zanzibar, Bargash bin Said el Busaidi. In spite of his position as protector of Zanzibar's interests in Congo, he managed to maintain good relations with the Europeans.<br/><br/> Around 1890/91, he returned to Zanzibar where he retired. He wrote his autobiography, which is the first example of this literary genre in Swahili. El Murgebi wrote his autobiography in Swahili in Arabic script. Dr. Heinrich Brode, who knew him in Zanzibar, transcribed the manuscript into Roman script and translated it into German. It was subsequently translated into English and published in Britain in 1907.<br/><br/> He died June 13, 1905, of malaria (according to Brode) in his home in Stone Town, the main town on the island of Zanzibar
Tippu Tip or Tib (1837 – June 14, 1905), real name Hamad bin Muḥammad bin Jumah bin Rajab bin Muḥammad bin Sa‘īd al-Murghabī, (Arabic: حمد بن محمد بن جمعة بن رجب بن محمد بن سعيد المرجبي‎), was a Swahili-Zanzibari trader. He was famously known by the natives of East Africa as Tippu Tib after the sounds that his many guns made. A notorious slave trader, plantation owner and governor, who worked for a succession of sultans of Zanzibar, he led many trading expeditions into Central Africa, involving the slave trade and ivory trade. He constructed profitable trading posts that reached deep into Central Africa.<br/><br/> He built himself a trading empire that he then translated into clove plantations on Zanzibar. Abdul Sheriff reported that when he left for his twelve years of empire building on the mainland, he had no plantations of his own. However, by 1895, he had acquired 'seven shambas [plantations] and 10,000 slaves'.<br/><br/> His mother, Bint Habib bin Bushir, was a Muscat Arab of the ruling class. His father and paternal grandfather were coastal Swahili who had taken part in the earliest trading expeditions to the interior.<br/><br/> He met and helped several famous western explorers of the African continent, including Henry Morton Stanley. Between 1884 and 1887, El Murgebi claimed the Eastern Congo for himself and for the Sultan of Zanzibar, Bargash bin Said el Busaidi. In spite of his position as protector of Zanzibar's interests in Congo, he managed to maintain good relations with the Europeans.<br/><br/> Around 1890/91, he returned to Zanzibar where he retired. He wrote his autobiography, which is the first example of this literary genre in Swahili. El Murgebi wrote his autobiography in Swahili in Arabic script. Dr. Heinrich Brode, who knew him in Zanzibar, transcribed the manuscript into Roman script and translated it into German. It was subsequently translated into English and published in Britain in 1907.<br/><br/> He died June 13, 1905, of malaria (according to Brode) in his home in Stone Town, the main town on the island of Zanzibar
Sayyid Ali bin Hamud Al-Busaid (June 7, 1884 – December 20, 1918) (Arabic: علي بن حمود البوسعيد‎) was the eighth Sultan of Zanzibar. Ali ruled Zanzibar from July 20, 1902 to December 9, 1911, having succeeded to the throne of the death of his father, the seventh Sultan.<br/><br/> He served only a few years as sultan because of illness. In 1911 he abdicated in favour of his brother-in-law Sayyid Khalifa bin Harub Al-Busaid.
Sayyid Sir Khalifa II bin Harub Al-Said, GCB, GCMG, GBE (August 26, 1879 – October 9, 1960) (Arabic: خليفة بن حارب البوسعيد‎) was the ninth Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from December 9, 1911 to October 9, 1960.<br/><br/> In 1900, he married Princess Sayyida Matuka bint Hamud Al-Busaid, daughter of the seventh Sultan of Zanzibar and sister of the eighth Sultan. He was succeeded by his eldest surviving son, Abdullah bin Khalifa
Sayyid Sir Khalifa II bin Harub Al-Said, GCB, GCMG, GBE (August 26, 1879 – October 9, 1960) (Arabic: خليفة بن حارب البوسعيد‎) was the ninth Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from December 9, 1911 to October 9, 1960.<br/><br/> In 1900, he married Princess Sayyida Matuka bint Hamud Al-Busaid, daughter of the seventh Sultan of Zanzibar and sister of the eighth Sultan. He was succeeded by his eldest surviving son, Abdullah bin Khalifa
Sayyid Sir Khalifa II bin Harub Al-Said, GCB, GCMG, GBE (August 26, 1879 – October 9, 1960) (Arabic: خليفة بن حارب البوسعيد‎) was the ninth Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from December 9, 1911 to October 9, 1960.<br/><br/> In 1900, he married Princess Sayyida Matuka bint Hamud Al-Busaid, daughter of the seventh Sultan of Zanzibar and sister of the eighth Sultan. He was succeeded by his eldest surviving son, Abdullah bin Khalifa
Sayyid Sir Khalifa II bin Harub Al-Said, GCB, GCMG, GBE (August 26, 1879 – October 9, 1960) (Arabic: خليفة بن حارب البوسعيد‎) was the ninth Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from December 9, 1911 to October 9, 1960.<br/><br/> In 1900, he married Princess Sayyida Matuka bint Hamud Al-Busaid, daughter of the seventh Sultan of Zanzibar and sister of the eighth Sultan. He was succeeded by his eldest surviving son, Abdullah bin Khalifa
Sayyid Sir Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Said, KBE, CMG (February 12, 1910 – July 1, 1963) (Arabic: عبد الله بن خليفة‎) was the 10th Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from October 9, 1960 to July 1, 1963. On his death, he was succeeded as Sultan by his son Jamshid.
Sayyid Sir Khalifa II bin Harub Al-Said, GCB, GCMG, GBE (August 26, 1879 – October 9, 1960) (Arabic: خليفة بن حارب البوسعيد‎) was the ninth Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from December 9, 1911 to October 9, 1960.<br/><br/> In 1900, he married Princess Sayyida Matuka bint Hamud Al-Busaid, daughter of the seventh Sultan of Zanzibar and sister of the eighth Sultan. He was succeeded by his eldest surviving son, Abdullah bin Khalifa
Sayyid Khalifa I bin Said Al-Busaid, GCMG, (or Chalîfe) (1852- February 13, 1890) (Arabic: خليفة بن سعيد البوسعيد‎) was the third Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from March 26, 1888 to February 13, 1890 and was succeeded by his brother, Ali bin Said.<br/><br/> Sayyid Khalifa I was appointed an Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the United Kingdom's Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George on 18 December 1889.
Sayyid Barghash bin Said Al-Busaid, GCMG, GCTE (1837 – March 26, 1888) (Arabic: برغش بن سعيد البوسعيد‎), son of Said bin Sultan, was the second Sultan of Zanzibar. Barghash ruled Zanzibar from October 7, 1870 to March 26, 1888. Barghash is credited with building much of the infrastructure of Stone Town, including piped water, public baths, a police force, roads, parks, hospitals and large administrative buildings such as the Bait el-Ajaib (House of Wonders).<br/><br/> Barghash was perhaps the last Sultan to maintain a measure of true independence from European control. He did consult with European 'advisors' who had immense influence, but he was still the central figure they wrestled to control. He crossed wits with diplomats from Britain, America, Germany, France and Portugal and was often able to play one country off another in a skillful endgame of pre-colonial chess.
Sayyid Barghash bin Said Al-Busaid, GCMG, GCTE (1837 – March 26, 1888) (Arabic: برغش بن سعيد البوسعيد‎), son of Said bin Sultan, was the second Sultan of Zanzibar. Barghash ruled Zanzibar from October 7, 1870 to March 26, 1888.<br/><br/> Sir Henry Bartle Edward Frere, 1st Baronet, GCB, GCSI, (29 March 1815 – 29 May 1884) was a British colonial administrator. In 1872 the foreign office sent him to Zanzibar to negotiate a treaty with the sultan, Barghash bin Said, for the suppression of the slave traffic.
Sayyid Turki bin Said, GCSI (1832 – 4 June 1888) (Arabic: تركي بن سعيد‎) was Sultan of Muscat and Oman from 30 January 1871 to 4 June 1888. He was the fifth son of Said bin Sultan, Sultan of Muscat and Oman. <br/><br/> On Turki's death, he was succeeded by his second son, Faisal bin Turki.
Sayyid Ali bin Hamud Al-Busaid (June 7, 1884 – December 20, 1918) (Arabic: علي بن حمود البوسعيد‎) was the eighth Sultan of Zanzibar. Ali ruled Zanzibar from July 20, 1902 to December 9, 1911, having succeeded to the throne of the death of his father, the seventh Sultan.<br/><br/> He served only a few years as sultan because of illness. In 1911 he abdicated in favour of his brother-in-law Sayyid Khalifa bin Harub Al-Busaid.
Sayyid Barghash bin Said Al-Busaid, GCMG, GCTE (1837 – March 26, 1888) (Arabic: برغش بن سعيد البوسعيد‎), son of Said bin Sultan, was the second Sultan of Zanzibar. Barghash ruled Zanzibar from October 7, 1870 to March 26, 1888.<br/><br/> Sir Henry Bartle Edward Frere, 1st Baronet, GCB, GCSI, (29 March 1815 – 29 May 1884) was a British colonial administrator. In 1872 the foreign office sent him to Zanzibar to negotiate a treaty with the sultan, Barghash bin Said, for the suppression of the slave traffic.
(Sayyid) Said bin Sultan Al-Said (Arabic: سعيد بن سلطان‎, Sa‘id bin Sulṭān) (5 June 1797 – 19 October 1856) was Sultan of Muscat and Oman from 20 November 1804 to 4 June 1856. He became joint ruler of the country along with his brother Salim on the death of their father, Sultan bin Ahmad, in 1804. Said deprived his brother of joint rule on 14 September 1806. <br/><br/> In 1834, he agreed to a treaty with the United States on very favorable terms. In 1837, he conquered Mombasa, Kenya. In 1840, Said moved his capital from Muscat, Oman, to Stone Town, Zanzibar and sent a ship to the United States to try to establish a trading relationship.<br/><br/> Upon Said's death in 1856, his realm was divided. His third son, Thuwaini bin Said, became the Sultan of Muscat and Oman, and his sixth son, Sayyid Majid bin Said, became the Sultan of Zanzibar.
Sayyid Sir Jamshid bin Abdullah Al Said GCMG, (Arabic: جمشيد بن عبد الله‎) (born September 16, 1929 in Zanzibar) was the last Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from July 1, 1963 to January 12, 1964. On December 10, 1963, Zanzibar received its independence from the United Kingdom as a constitutional monarchy under Jamshid. <br/><br/> This state of affairs was short lived and he was overthrown by the Zanzibar Revolution. He fled into exile in the United Kingdom, where he continues to live. He is married to Zuleikha bint Abdullah Al Aufy.
Sayyid Ali bin Said Al-Busaid, GCSI, (1854 – March 5, 1893) (Arabic: علي بن سعيد البوسعيد‎) was the fourth Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from February 13, 1890, to March 5, 1893, and was succeeded by his nephew, Hamad bin Thuwaini Al-Busaid.
Sayyid Sir Khalifa II bin Harub Al-Said, GCB, GCMG, GBE (August 26, 1879 – October 9, 1960) (Arabic: خليفة بن حارب البوسعيد‎) was the ninth Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from December 9, 1911 to October 9, 1960.<br/><br/> In 1900, he married Princess Sayyida Matuka bint Hamud Al-Busaid, daughter of the seventh Sultan of Zanzibar and sister of the eighth Sultan. He was succeeded by his eldest surviving son, Abdullah bin Khalifa
Sayyid Ali bin Hamud Al-Busaid (June 7, 1884 – December 20, 1918) (Arabic: علي بن حمود البوسعيد‎) was the eighth Sultan of Zanzibar. Ali ruled Zanzibar from July 20, 1902 to December 9, 1911, having succeeded to the throne of the death of his father, the seventh Sultan.<br/><br/> He served only a few years as sultan because of illness. In 1911 he abdicated in favour of his brother-in-law Sayyid Khalifa bin Harub Al-Busaid.
Sayyid Khalid bin Barghash Al-Busaid (1874 – 1927) (Arabic: خالد بن برغش البوسعيد‎) was the sixth Sultan of Zanzibar and the eldest son of the second Sultan of Zanzibar, Sayyid Barghash bin Said Al-Busaid.<br/><br/> Khalid briefly ruled Zanzibar (from August 25 to August 27, 1896), seizing power after the sudden death of his cousin Hamad bin Thuwaini of Zanzibar who many suspect was poisoned by Khalid. Britain refused to recognize his claim to the throne, citing a treaty from 1866 which stated that a new Sultan could only accede to the throne with British permission, resulting in the Anglo-Zanzibar War in which Khalid's palace and harem were shelled by British vessels for 38 minutes, killing 500 defenders, before a surrender was received.<br/><br/> Khalid fled his palace to take refuge in the German consulate from which he was smuggled to German East Africa where he received political asylum. He was captured by British forces at Dar es Salaam in 1916 and was exiled to the Seychelles and Saint Helena before being allowed to return to East Africa where he died in Mombasa in 1927.
Sayyid Ali bin Hamud Al-Busaid (June 7, 1884 – December 20, 1918) (Arabic: علي بن حمود البوسعيد‎) was the eighth Sultan of Zanzibar. Ali ruled Zanzibar from July 20, 1902 to December 9, 1911, having succeeded to the throne of the death of his father, the seventh Sultan.<br/><br/> He served only a few years as sultan because of illness. In 1911 he abdicated in favour of his brother-in-law Sayyid Khalifa bin Harub Al-Busaid.
Sayyid Sir Khalifa II bin Harub Al-Said, GCB, GCMG, GBE (August 26, 1879 – October 9, 1960) (Arabic: خليفة بن حارب البوسعيد‎) was the ninth Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from December 9, 1911 to October 9, 1960.<br/><br/> Sayyid Sir Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Said, KBE, CMG (February 12, 1910 – July 1, 1963) (Arabic: عبد الله بن خليفة‎) was the 10th Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from October 9, 1960 to July 1, 1963.<br/><br/> Sayyid Sir Jamshid bin Abdullah Al Said GCMG, (Arabic: جمشيد بن عبد الله‎) (born September 16, 1929 in Zanzibar) was the last Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from July 1, 1963 to January 12, 1964.
Sayyid Sir Khalifa II bin Harub Al-Said, GCB, GCMG, GBE (August 26, 1879 – October 9, 1960) (Arabic: خليفة بن حارب البوسعيد‎) was the ninth Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from December 9, 1911 to October 9, 1960.<br/><br/> In 1900, he married Princess Sayyida Matuka bint Hamud Al-Busaid, daughter of the seventh Sultan of Zanzibar and sister of the eighth Sultan. He was succeeded by his eldest surviving son, Abdullah bin Khalifa
Sayyid Ali bin Hamud Al-Busaid (June 7, 1884 – December 20, 1918) (Arabic: علي بن حمود البوسعيد‎) was the eighth Sultan of Zanzibar. Ali ruled Zanzibar from July 20, 1902 to December 9, 1911, having succeeded to the throne of the death of his father, the seventh Sultan.<br/><br/> He served only a few years as sultan because of illness. In 1911 he abdicated in favour of his brother-in-law Sayyid Khalifa bin Harub Al-Busaid.
Sayyid Sir Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Said, KBE, CMG (February 12, 1910 – July 1, 1963) (Arabic: عبد الله بن خليفة‎) was the 10th Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from October 9, 1960 to July 1, 1963. On his death, he was succeeded as Sultan by his son Jamshid.
Sayyid Hamad bin Thuwaini Al-Busaid, GCSI, (1857 - August 25, 1896) (Arabic: حمد بن ثويني البوسعيد‎) was the fifth Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from March 5, 1893 to August 25, 1896.<br/><br/> He was married to a cousin, Sayyida Turkia bint Turki al-Said, daughter of Turki bin Said, Sultan of Muscat and Oman. Hamid died suddenly at 11.40am on 25 August 1896 and was almost certainly poisoned by his cousin Khalid bin Barghash who proclaimed himself the new sultan and held the position for three days before being replaced by the British government after the 40 minute long Anglo-Zanzibar War.
Sayyid Sir Khalifa II bin Harub Al-Said, GCB, GCMG, GBE (August 26, 1879 – October 9, 1960) (Arabic: خليفة بن حارب البوسعيد‎) was the ninth Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from December 9, 1911 to October 9, 1960.<br/><br/> In 1900, he married Princess Sayyida Matuka bint Hamud Al-Busaid, daughter of the seventh Sultan of Zanzibar and sister of the eighth Sultan. He was succeeded by his eldest surviving son, Abdullah bin Khalifa
Sayyid Ali bin Hamud Al-Busaid (June 7, 1884 – December 20, 1918) (Arabic: علي بن حمود البوسعيد‎) was the eighth Sultan of Zanzibar. Ali ruled Zanzibar from July 20, 1902 to December 9, 1911, having succeeded to the throne of the death of his father, the seventh Sultan.<br/><br/> He served only a few years as sultan because of illness. In 1911 he abdicated in favour of his brother-in-law Sayyid Khalifa bin Harub Al-Busaid.
Sayyid Sir Hamoud bin Mohammed Al-Said, GCSI, (1853 - July 18, 1902) (ruled August 27, 1896 - July 18, 1902) (Arabic: حمود بن محمد‎) was the British-controlled Omani sultan of the protectorate of Zanzibar, who outlawed slavery on the island.<br/><br/> Hamoud became sultan with the support of the British consul, Sir Basil Cave, upon the death of Hamad bin Thuwaini. Before he could enter the palace, another potential contender for the throne, Khalid bin Barghash, seized the palace and declared himself sultan. The British responded the next day, August 26, 1896, by issuing an ultimatum to Khalid and his entourage to evacuate the palace by 9:00 am on August 27. When he refused, British warships fired on the palace and other strategic locations in the city, destroying them and causing Khalid and his group to flee. According to the Guinness Book of World Records the resultant Anglo-Zanzibar War was the shortest war in history, and the same day Hamoud was able to assume the title of sultan, more indebted to the British than ever.<br/><br/> Hamoud demanded that slavery be banned in Zanzibar and that all the slaves be freed.
Sayyid Ali bin Said Al-Busaid, GCSI, (1854 – March 5, 1893) (Arabic: علي بن سعيد البوسعيد‎) was the fourth Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from February 13, 1890, to March 5, 1893, and was succeeded by his nephew, Hamad bin Thuwaini Al-Busaid.
Sayyid Sir Khalifa II bin Harub Al-Said, GCB, GCMG, GBE (August 26, 1879 – October 9, 1960) (Arabic: خليفة بن حارب البوسعيد‎) was the ninth Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from December 9, 1911 to October 9, 1960.<br/><br/> Sayyid Sir Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Said, KBE, CMG (February 12, 1910 – July 1, 1963) (Arabic: عبد الله بن خليفة‎) was the 10th Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from October 9, 1960 to July 1, 1963.<br/><br/> Sayyid Sir Jamshid bin Abdullah Al Said GCMG, (Arabic: جمشيد بن عبد الله‎) (born September 16, 1929 in Zanzibar) was the last Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from July 1, 1963 to January 12, 1964.
Sayyid Sir Hamoud bin Mohammed Al-Said, GCSI, (1853 - July 18, 1902) (ruled August 27, 1896 - July 18, 1902) (Arabic: حمود بن محمد‎) was the British-controlled Omani sultan of the protectorate of Zanzibar, who outlawed slavery on the island.<br/><br/> Hamoud became sultan with the support of the British consul, Sir Basil Cave, upon the death of Hamad bin Thuwaini. Before he could enter the palace, another potential contender for the throne, Khalid bin Barghash, seized the palace and declared himself sultan. The British responded the next day, August 26, 1896, by issuing an ultimatum to Khalid and his entourage to evacuate the palace by 9:00 am on August 27. When he refused, British warships fired on the palace and other strategic locations in the city, destroying them and causing Khalid and his group to flee. According to the Guinness Book of World Records the resultant Anglo-Zanzibar War was the shortest war in history, and the same day Hamoud was able to assume the title of sultan, more indebted to the British than ever.<br/><br/> Hamoud demanded that slavery be banned in Zanzibar and that all the slaves be freed.
Tippu Tip or Tib (1837 – June 14, 1905), real name Hamad bin Muḥammad bin Jumah bin Rajab bin Muḥammad bin Sa‘īd al-Murghabī, (Arabic: حمد بن محمد بن جمعة بن رجب بن محمد بن سعيد المرجبي‎), was a Swahili-Zanzibari trader. He was famously known by the natives of East Africa as Tippu Tib after the sounds that his many guns made. A notorious slave trader, plantation owner and governor, who worked for a succession of sultans of Zanzibar, he led many trading expeditions into Central Africa, involving the slave trade and ivory trade. He constructed profitable trading posts that reached deep into Central Africa.<br/><br/> He built himself a trading empire that he then translated into clove plantations on Zanzibar. Abdul Sheriff reported that when he left for his twelve years of empire building on the mainland, he had no plantations of his own. However, by 1895, he had acquired 'seven shambas [plantations] and 10,000 slaves'.<br/><br/> His mother, Bint Habib bin Bushir, was a Muscat Arab of the ruling class. His father and paternal grandfather were coastal Swahili who had taken part in the earliest trading expeditions to the interior.<br/><br/> He met and helped several famous western explorers of the African continent, including Henry Morton Stanley. Between 1884 and 1887, El Murgebi claimed the Eastern Congo for himself and for the Sultan of Zanzibar, Bargash bin Said el Busaidi. In spite of his position as protector of Zanzibar's interests in Congo, he managed to maintain good relations with the Europeans.<br/><br/> Around 1890/91, he returned to Zanzibar where he retired. He wrote his autobiography, which is the first example of this literary genre in Swahili. El Murgebi wrote his autobiography in Swahili in Arabic script. Dr. Heinrich Brode, who knew him in Zanzibar, transcribed the manuscript into Roman script and translated it into German. It was subsequently translated into English and published in Britain in 1907.<br/><br/> He died June 13, 1905, of malaria (according to Brode) in his home in Stone Town, the main town on the island of Zanzibar
Engraving from Harper's New Monthly Magazine (1868-1869).<br/><br/> Sayyid Majid bin Said Al-Busaid (1834 - October 7, 1870) (Arabic: ماجد بن سعيد البوسعيد‎) was the first Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from October 19, 1856 to October 7, 1870.<br/><br/> Majid became Sultan of Zanzibar and Oman on the death of his father, Sayyid Said bin Sultan, but his accession was contested. Following the struggle over the accession to the position of Sultan of Oman, Zanzibar and Oman were divided into two separate principalities, with Majid ruling Zanzibar and his older brother Sayyid Thuwaini bin Said al-Busaid ruling Oman.<br/><br/> His marriage only produced one daughter, Sayyida Khanfora bint Majid (who married her cousin, the seventh Sultan). Consequently, Majid was succeeded as sultan by his brother Barghash.<br/><br/> His reign was infamous in that he consolidated his power around the East African slave trade. His descendants would later follow this practice. Barghash bin Said claimed to halt the slave trade, but he continued this until the United Kingdom gained protectorate over the colony.<br/><br/>
Tippu Tip or Tib (1837 – June 14, 1905), real name Hamad bin Muḥammad bin Jumah bin Rajab bin Muḥammad bin Sa‘īd al-Murghabī, (Arabic: حمد بن محمد بن جمعة بن رجب بن محمد بن سعيد المرجبي‎), was a Swahili-Zanzibari trader. He was famously known by the natives of East Africa as Tippu Tib after the sounds that his many guns made. A notorious slave trader, plantation owner and governor, who worked for a succession of sultans of Zanzibar, he led many trading expeditions into Central Africa, involving the slave trade and ivory trade. He constructed profitable trading posts that reached deep into Central Africa.<br/><br/> He built himself a trading empire that he then translated into clove plantations on Zanzibar. Abdul Sheriff reported that when he left for his twelve years of empire building on the mainland, he had no plantations of his own. However, by 1895, he had acquired 'seven shambas [plantations] and 10,000 slaves'.<br/><br/> His mother, Bint Habib bin Bushir, was a Muscat Arab of the ruling class. His father and paternal grandfather were coastal Swahili who had taken part in the earliest trading expeditions to the interior.<br/><br/> He met and helped several famous western explorers of the African continent, including Henry Morton Stanley. Between 1884 and 1887, El Murgebi claimed the Eastern Congo for himself and for the Sultan of Zanzibar, Bargash bin Said el Busaidi. In spite of his position as protector of Zanzibar's interests in Congo, he managed to maintain good relations with the Europeans.<br/><br/> Around 1890/91, he returned to Zanzibar where he retired. He wrote his autobiography, which is the first example of this literary genre in Swahili. El Murgebi wrote his autobiography in Swahili in Arabic script. Dr. Heinrich Brode, who knew him in Zanzibar, transcribed the manuscript into Roman script and translated it into German. It was subsequently translated into English and published in Britain in 1907.<br/><br/> He died June 13, 1905, of malaria (according to Brode) in his home in Stone Town, the main town on the island of Zanzibar
Tippu Tip or Tib (1837 – June 14, 1905), real name Hamad bin Muḥammad bin Jumah bin Rajab bin Muḥammad bin Sa‘īd al-Murghabī, (Arabic: حمد بن محمد بن جمعة بن رجب بن محمد بن سعيد المرجبي‎), was a Swahili-Zanzibari trader. He was famously known by the natives of East Africa as Tippu Tib after the sounds that his many guns made. A notorious slave trader, plantation owner and governor, who worked for a succession of sultans of Zanzibar, he led many trading expeditions into Central Africa, involving the slave trade and ivory trade. He constructed profitable trading posts that reached deep into Central Africa.<br/><br/> He built himself a trading empire that he then translated into clove plantations on Zanzibar. Abdul Sheriff reported that when he left for his twelve years of empire building on the mainland, he had no plantations of his own. However, by 1895, he had acquired 'seven shambas [plantations] and 10,000 slaves'.<br/><br/> His mother, Bint Habib bin Bushir, was a Muscat Arab of the ruling class. His father and paternal grandfather were coastal Swahili who had taken part in the earliest trading expeditions to the interior.<br/><br/> He met and helped several famous western explorers of the African continent, including Henry Morton Stanley. Between 1884 and 1887, El Murgebi claimed the Eastern Congo for himself and for the Sultan of Zanzibar, Bargash bin Said el Busaidi. In spite of his position as protector of Zanzibar's interests in Congo, he managed to maintain good relations with the Europeans.<br/><br/> Around 1890/91, he returned to Zanzibar where he retired. He wrote his autobiography, which is the first example of this literary genre in Swahili. El Murgebi wrote his autobiography in Swahili in Arabic script. Dr. Heinrich Brode, who knew him in Zanzibar, transcribed the manuscript into Roman script and translated it into German. It was subsequently translated into English and published in Britain in 1907.<br/><br/> He died June 13, 1905, of malaria (according to Brode) in his home in Stone Town, the main town on the island of Zanzibar
Tippu Tip or Tib (1837 – June 14, 1905), real name Hamad bin Muḥammad bin Jumah bin Rajab bin Muḥammad bin Sa‘īd al-Murghabī, (Arabic: حمد بن محمد بن جمعة بن رجب بن محمد بن سعيد المرجبي‎), was a Swahili-Zanzibari trader. He was famously known by the natives of East Africa as Tippu Tib after the sounds that his many guns made. A notorious slave trader, plantation owner and governor, who worked for a succession of sultans of Zanzibar, he led many trading expeditions into Central Africa, involving the slave trade and ivory trade. He constructed profitable trading posts that reached deep into Central Africa.<br/><br/> He built himself a trading empire that he then translated into clove plantations on Zanzibar. Abdul Sheriff reported that when he left for his twelve years of empire building on the mainland, he had no plantations of his own. However, by 1895, he had acquired 'seven shambas [plantations] and 10,000 slaves'.<br/><br/> His mother, Bint Habib bin Bushir, was a Muscat Arab of the ruling class. His father and paternal grandfather were coastal Swahili who had taken part in the earliest trading expeditions to the interior.<br/><br/> He met and helped several famous western explorers of the African continent, including Henry Morton Stanley. Between 1884 and 1887, El Murgebi claimed the Eastern Congo for himself and for the Sultan of Zanzibar, Bargash bin Said el Busaidi. In spite of his position as protector of Zanzibar's interests in Congo, he managed to maintain good relations with the Europeans.<br/><br/> Around 1890/91, he returned to Zanzibar where he retired. He wrote his autobiography, which is the first example of this literary genre in Swahili. El Murgebi wrote his autobiography in Swahili in Arabic script. Dr. Heinrich Brode, who knew him in Zanzibar, transcribed the manuscript into Roman script and translated it into German. It was subsequently translated into English and published in Britain in 1907.<br/><br/> He died June 13, 1905, of malaria (according to Brode) in his home in Stone Town, the main town on the island of Zanzibar
Tippu Tip or Tib (1837 – June 14, 1905), real name Hamad bin Muḥammad bin Jumah bin Rajab bin Muḥammad bin Sa‘īd al-Murghabī, (Arabic: حمد بن محمد بن جمعة بن رجب بن محمد بن سعيد المرجبي‎), was a Swahili-Zanzibari trader. He was famously known by the natives of East Africa as Tippu Tib after the sounds that his many guns made. A notorious slave trader, plantation owner and governor, who worked for a succession of sultans of Zanzibar, he led many trading expeditions into Central Africa, involving the slave trade and ivory trade. He constructed profitable trading posts that reached deep into Central Africa.<br/><br/> He built himself a trading empire that he then translated into clove plantations on Zanzibar. Abdul Sheriff reported that when he left for his twelve years of empire building on the mainland, he had no plantations of his own. However, by 1895, he had acquired 'seven shambas [plantations] and 10,000 slaves'.<br/><br/> His mother, Bint Habib bin Bushir, was a Muscat Arab of the ruling class. His father and paternal grandfather were coastal Swahili who had taken part in the earliest trading expeditions to the interior.<br/><br/> He met and helped several famous western explorers of the African continent, including Henry Morton Stanley. Between 1884 and 1887, El Murgebi claimed the Eastern Congo for himself and for the Sultan of Zanzibar, Bargash bin Said el Busaidi. In spite of his position as protector of Zanzibar's interests in Congo, he managed to maintain good relations with the Europeans.<br/><br/> Around 1890/91, he returned to Zanzibar where he retired. He wrote his autobiography, which is the first example of this literary genre in Swahili. El Murgebi wrote his autobiography in Swahili in Arabic script. Dr. Heinrich Brode, who knew him in Zanzibar, transcribed the manuscript into Roman script and translated it into German. It was subsequently translated into English and published in Britain in 1907.<br/><br/> He died June 13, 1905, of malaria (according to Brode) in his home in Stone Town, the main town on the island of Zanzibar
Sayyid Khalid bin Barghash Al-Busaid (1874 – 1927) (Arabic: خالد بن برغش البوسعيد‎) was the sixth Sultan of Zanzibar and the eldest son of the second Sultan of Zanzibar, Sayyid Barghash bin Said Al-Busaid.<br/><br/> Khalid briefly ruled Zanzibar (from August 25 to August 27, 1896), seizing power after the sudden death of his cousin Hamad bin Thuwaini of Zanzibar who many suspect was poisoned by Khalid. Britain refused to recognize his claim to the throne, citing a treaty from 1866 which stated that a new Sultan could only accede to the throne with British permission, resulting in the Anglo-Zanzibar War in which Khalid's palace and harem were shelled by British vessels for 38 minutes, killing 500 defenders, before a surrender was received.<br/><br/> Khalid fled his palace to take refuge in the German consulate from which he was smuggled to German East Africa where he received political asylum. He was captured by British forces at Dar es Salaam in 1916 and was exiled to the Seychelles and Saint Helena before being allowed to return to East Africa where he died in Mombasa in 1927.
Tippu Tip or Tib (1837 – June 14, 1905), real name Hamad bin Muḥammad bin Jumah bin Rajab bin Muḥammad bin Sa‘īd al-Murghabī, (Arabic: حمد بن محمد بن جمعة بن رجب بن محمد بن سعيد المرجبي‎), was a Swahili-Zanzibari trader. He was famously known by the natives of East Africa as Tippu Tib after the sounds that his many guns made. A notorious slave trader, plantation owner and governor, who worked for a succession of sultans of Zanzibar, he led many trading expeditions into Central Africa, involving the slave trade and ivory trade. He constructed profitable trading posts that reached deep into Central Africa.<br/><br/> He built himself a trading empire that he then translated into clove plantations on Zanzibar. Abdul Sheriff reported that when he left for his twelve years of empire building on the mainland, he had no plantations of his own. However, by 1895, he had acquired 'seven shambas [plantations] and 10,000 slaves'.<br/><br/> His mother, Bint Habib bin Bushir, was a Muscat Arab of the ruling class. His father and paternal grandfather were coastal Swahili who had taken part in the earliest trading expeditions to the interior.<br/><br/> He met and helped several famous western explorers of the African continent, including Henry Morton Stanley. Between 1884 and 1887, El Murgebi claimed the Eastern Congo for himself and for the Sultan of Zanzibar, Bargash bin Said el Busaidi. In spite of his position as protector of Zanzibar's interests in Congo, he managed to maintain good relations with the Europeans.<br/><br/> Around 1890/91, he returned to Zanzibar where he retired. He wrote his autobiography, which is the first example of this literary genre in Swahili. El Murgebi wrote his autobiography in Swahili in Arabic script. Dr. Heinrich Brode, who knew him in Zanzibar, transcribed the manuscript into Roman script and translated it into German. It was subsequently translated into English and published in Britain in 1907.<br/><br/> He died June 13, 1905, of malaria (according to Brode) in his home in Stone Town, the main town on the island of Zanzibar
Sayyid Barghash bin Said Al-Busaid, GCMG, GCTE (1837 – March 26, 1888) (Arabic: برغش بن سعيد البوسعيد‎), son of Said bin Sultan, was the second Sultan of Zanzibar. Barghash ruled Zanzibar from October 7, 1870 to March 26, 1888. Barghash is credited with building much of the infrastructure of Stone Town, including piped water, public baths, a police force, roads, parks, hospitals and large administrative buildings such as the Bait el-Ajaib (House of Wonders).<br/><br/> Barghash was perhaps the last Sultan to maintain a measure of true independence from European control. He did consult with European 'advisors' who had immense influence, but he was still the central figure they wrestled to control. He crossed wits with diplomats from Britain, America, Germany, France and Portugal and was often able to play one country off another in a skillful endgame of pre-colonial chess.
Tippu Tip or Tib (1837 – June 14, 1905), real name Hamad bin Muḥammad bin Jumah bin Rajab bin Muḥammad bin Sa‘īd al-Murghabī, (Arabic: حمد بن محمد بن جمعة بن رجب بن محمد بن سعيد المرجبي‎), was a Swahili-Zanzibari trader. He was famously known by the natives of East Africa as Tippu Tib after the sounds that his many guns made. A notorious slave trader, plantation owner and governor, who worked for a succession of sultans of Zanzibar, he led many trading expeditions into Central Africa, involving the slave trade and ivory trade. He constructed profitable trading posts that reached deep into Central Africa.<br/><br/> He built himself a trading empire that he then translated into clove plantations on Zanzibar. Abdul Sheriff reported that when he left for his twelve years of empire building on the mainland, he had no plantations of his own. However, by 1895, he had acquired 'seven shambas [plantations] and 10,000 slaves'.<br/><br/> His mother, Bint Habib bin Bushir, was a Muscat Arab of the ruling class. His father and paternal grandfather were coastal Swahili who had taken part in the earliest trading expeditions to the interior.<br/><br/> He met and helped several famous western explorers of the African continent, including Henry Morton Stanley. Between 1884 and 1887, El Murgebi claimed the Eastern Congo for himself and for the Sultan of Zanzibar, Bargash bin Said el Busaidi. In spite of his position as protector of Zanzibar's interests in Congo, he managed to maintain good relations with the Europeans.<br/><br/> Around 1890/91, he returned to Zanzibar where he retired. He wrote his autobiography, which is the first example of this literary genre in Swahili. El Murgebi wrote his autobiography in Swahili in Arabic script. Dr. Heinrich Brode, who knew him in Zanzibar, transcribed the manuscript into Roman script and translated it into German. It was subsequently translated into English and published in Britain in 1907.<br/><br/> He died June 13, 1905, of malaria (according to Brode) in his home in Stone Town, the main town on the island of Zanzibar