When it comes to a pre-revolution Zanzibar, Sheikh Riadh Al Busaidi is a walking encyclopaedia. Today he is joining me to chat on the fallen House of Wonders – plus some other iconic buildings in the Stone Town of Zanzibar.
Category: BLOG POSTS
The Fallen House of Wonders: A Chat with Professor Sheriff
The Zanzibar iconic building which stood as a symbol of the 19th century renaissance, commonly known as Jumba la Maajabu (Kiswahili), Beit Al ‘Ajaib (Arabic) and House of Wonders in English, has fallen down. For people who know the real value of this piece of art, this is a great loss. Professor Abdul Sheriff, one of the few renowned historians, is joining me in this chat.
Zanzibar Reconciliation (Episode 4): A Chat with Diplomat Muhammad Yussuf
In this episode, the retired Zanzibari diplomat, Mr. Muhammad Yussuf, is joining me to talk about the role of Maridhiano to the image of Zanzibar in geopolitics as well as the role of international community in enhancing the reconciliation.
A Tribute to the House of Wonders
You were built with stones and soil and woods
To present the epitome of pride and of greatness
Barghash made you stand tall and high
To be a focus of our pure character
On the shores of the Indian Ocean –
The tropical sun had you blessed!
Zanzibar Reconciliation (Episode 3): A Chat with Prof. Ziddy on the Islamic Perspectives
Zanzibar is not governed by Islamic Laws, but its society is almost 95% Muslim. Logically, we might think that their daily activities would have reflected this reality – dos and donts according to Islamic values and orientations. But where does their political reconciliation stand on this environment? Professor Issa Ziddy from the State University of Zanzibar is joining me in our today’s episode.
Zanzibar Reconciliation (Episode 2): A Chat With Ismail Jussa on the WHY
Apart from big questions on “the HOW” and “the WHEN” about Zanzibar Reconciliation, another most important question is “the WHY” of what they call Maridhiano in Kiswahili. In this chat, I am joined by Ismail Jussa, one of the few politicians who has been a part of almost every political reconciliation between polarised parts in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar Reconciliation (Episode 1): A Chat with Lawyer Awadh on the Controversy
The decision by ACT Wazalendo to join the Government of National Unity in Zanzibar after the October 2020 fraud elections has caused fierce discussions between supporters and opponents, both within and outside the party. In particular, this chat is about the debate between supporters of the decision in Zanzibar and the opponents from the main opposition party in Tanzania Mainland, CHADEMA. The former president of Zanzibar Law Society, Awadh Ali Said, joins me in the chat.
