INSIDE THE FIGHT TO PRESERVE ZANZIBAR'S HISTORIC MOSQUES

 

By Tatu Makame, ZANZIBAR@@@@

ZANZIBAR’S Stone Town is one of the world’s most celebrated heritage sites, officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000 for its outstanding cultural and historical value.

The ancient town has gained global recognition for its centuries-old buildings, unique architecture and rich cultural heritage that continue to attract tourists and researchers from different parts of the world.

Visitors arriving in Stone Town are drawn by its narrow streets, historical sites, ancient mosques and buildings that reflect the deep history of the East African coast.

Despite the achievements made in preserving the heritage city, Stone Town continues to face growing challenges caused by climate change, environmental degradation and the ageing of historical structures.

Several buildings, including houses, mosques and public structures, have suffered cracks, weakened walls and structural collapse, threatening the survival of one of Africa’s most important cultural treasures.

Among the endangered heritage sites is the historic Bamnara Mosque located in Malindi, Unguja Urban West Region.

The mosque has gradually lost part of its original beauty due to the deterioration of its walls caused by climate-related impacts, particularly salt penetration and excessive moisture affecting coastal areas such as Zanzibar.

The mosque was constructed in the early 19th century and remains one of the oldest Islamic landmarks in Zanzibar, carrying historical connections that trace the spread of Islamic civilization along the East African coast.

Historical records show that the mosque was built between 1834 and 1835 by Muhammad bin Abdulkadir al-Mansaby, a prominent trader from the Benadir Coast.

The mosque was later expanded in 1841 and again in 1890 during the leadership of Seyyid Ali bin Said, demonstrating its continued importance within the Muslim community for generations.

Its distinctive architectural design, especially its rare cone-shaped minaret, makes it one of the most unique mosques not only in Zanzibar but also in the entire East African region.

Many people say Bamnara Mosque is among only three mosques of its kind in East Africa, with similar structures found in Kenya and Somalia.

The mosque therefore represents both a religious landmark and an important symbol of Islamic heritage and historical tourism in the region.

However, the increasing effects of climate change continue to threaten the future of the mosque and other historical buildings in Stone Town.

Rising humidity, salt infiltration, changing weather patterns and coastal environmental conditions have accelerated the deterioration of ancient walls and building materials.

In response to these challenges, the Zanzibar government, in collaboration with civil society organizations and international partners, has intensified efforts to restore and preserve historical structures vulnerable to climate change.

As part of these efforts, the Stone Town Conservation and Development Authority (JUHIMKO), in collaboration with the Zanzibar Waqf and Trust Commission, recently signed an agreement for the restoration of Bamnara Mosque through the ‘Salt and Stone: Adapting Heritage for a Changing Climate’ project funded by Sweden in partnership with JUHIMKO.

The project aims to restore the mosque to its original condition while protecting its architectural and historical identity for future generations.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Unguja Urban West Regional Commissioner Muhammed Ali Abdalla described the restoration project as an important step in preserving Stone Town’s world heritage status and strengthening tourism attractions within the historic city.

He said the mosque remains an important symbol of Islamic civilization in East Africa and continues to attract visitors interested in religious and historical tourism.

“This mosque is not only a place of worship but also an important historical attraction for visitors coming to Zanzibar to learn about our heritage and ancient architecture”, he said.

The Regional Commissioner also called on JUHIMKO to involve local youth and residents living around Stone Town during the restoration process so they can acquire practical skills in the conservation of heritage buildings.

He revealed that Stone Town currently has about 105 buildings requiring urgent restoration, while at least 26 structures are considered to be in critical condition and at risk of severe damage if immediate action is not taken.

He commended JUHIMKO for working closely with international organizations including the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO) and the ALIPH Foundation in supporting the restoration initiative.

According to him, the restoration project reflects Zanzibar’s commitment to protecting its cultural heritage against the growing effects of climate change.

For her part, Director of the Zanzibar Waqf and Trust Commission, Madina Haji Khamis, said the government will closely monitor the restoration process to ensure the project is completed within the planned timeframe.

She also urged tenants occupying buildings managed by the Waqf Commission to pay rent on time so that collected funds can support restoration and maintenance of historical buildings and mosques.

“The preservation of these buildings is important not only for religion and history but also for maintaining Zanzibar’s cultural identity”, she said.

Meanwhile, JUHIMKO Chief Executive Officer Makame Juma Mtwana said the organization was established in 2002 with the goal of supporting government efforts to preserve Stone Town in its original form.

He said the organization has continued educating communities on heritage conservation while providing technical training and restoration skills to local residents.

According to Makame, restoring Bamnara Mosque will also open opportunities for Islamic tourism in Zanzibar by attracting visitors interested in religious history and cultural heritage.

“When we speak about Islamic tourism, we mean strengthening religious and cultural connections between nations, similar to how Muslims travel to visit holy sites in Makkah, Saudi Arabia”, he explained.

He added that JUHIMKO has continued restoring several historical buildings in Stone Town affected by climate change and environmental damage.

He warned that many buildings in Stone Town are increasingly threatened by saltwater penetration, moisture and structural weakening, which have caused walls to crack and collapse.

Despite these challenges, he said JUHIMKO will continue working with the government and development partners to ensure historical buildings survive for many more generations.

The restoration project for Bamnara Mosque will involve structural repairs, roof improvements, conservation of lime-based construction materials and restoration of wooden architectural features to guarantee the long-term stability of the mosque.

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