Pemba history

Foundation and First Mentions

Pemba is a place with an ancient and rich history, rooting back to the first millennium AD. Arab navigators called this island "Al-Jazeera Al-Khadra", meaning "The Green Island", admiring its lush vegetation. The first settlements here were established by Bantu tribes arriving from the mainland part of modern-day Tanzania, and by the 7th–8th centuries, traders from Persia and Arabia began developing the coast, laying the foundations for future stone towns.

Key Factors of Development

The region's development as an important centre of Swahili civilization was driven by several factors:

• Geography and Navigation: Its strategic location on the path of monsoon winds made the local harbours an ideal refuge and transit point for merchant vessels traversing the Indian Ocean.
• Natural Resources: Unlike many coral islands, Pemba possesses a hilly terrain and exceptionally fertile soils, which fostered thriving agriculture.
• Trade Ties: Active exchange of goods with merchants from India and the Middle East contributed to rapid economic growth and capital inflow.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The culture of Pemba formed as a unique fusion of African traditions and Eastern influence. Even in the early period, coral stone architecture flourished here, the ruins of which (for example, at Ras Mkumbu) have survived to this day. The economy was based on agriculture and exports: the island was famous for growing rice, coconuts, and later became a global centre for clove production, securing its status as the "Spice Island".

Chronology of Historical Events

• 10th Century: A major trading settlement emerges on the Ras Mkumbu peninsula, evidencing the early inclusion of Pemba in the Indian Ocean maritime trade network.
• 15th Century: Ruler Mkama Ndume constructs the fortified city of Pujini, the ruins of which remain a unique monument of Swahili architecture.
• Early 16th Century: Portuguese conquerors establish control over the island, utilizing its resources to supply their fleets.
• 1698: Omani Arabs expel the Portuguese from the East African coast, and the island comes under the authority of the Sultanate.
• 1822: Sultan Said bin Sultan finally subjugates the island, ousting representatives of the Mazrui clan.
• 1840s: Following the transfer of the Sultanate's capital to Zanzibar, large-scale cultivation of cloves begins on the island, becoming the backbone of the economy.
• 1890: In accordance with an international treaty, the island officially becomes part of the British protectorate.
• 1897: The British administration achieves the abolition of the legal status of slavery, radically changing the social structure.
• 10 December 1963: The archipelago gains full independence from Great Britain as a constitutional monarchy.
• 12 January 1964: The Zanzibar Revolution occurs, resulting in the overthrow of the Sultan and the proclamation of a republic.
• 26 April 1964: Zanzibar and Tanganyika sign an act of union, forming a single state — Tanzania.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of the formation of Pemba is a journey from a strategic trading hub of antiquity to a global centre for spice production. Economic and urban planning changes here have always been closely linked to maritime trade and unique natural resources.

• Birth of Stone Architecture (11th–15th Centuries). During this period, the first major settlements, such as Ras Mkumbu and Pujini, were formed. The use of coral stone and limestone in construction defined the architectural appearance characteristic of the Swahili civilization and laid the foundation for early urbanization.
• Agrarian Transformation (1840s). By the decree of Sultan Said bin Sultan, massive planting of clove trees began. This decision forever changed the economic landscape: tropical forests gave way to plantations, and the region became a leading global supplier of cloves, ensuring capital inflow.
• Development of Port Infrastructure (Late 19th – Early 20th Century). To support spice exports, harbours in the towns of Wete, Mkoani, and Chake-Chake were modernized and expanded. Administrative and commercial quarters grew around the ports, becoming the cores of modern urban development.
• Infrastructure Modernization (Mid-20th Century). During the period of British administration and the early years of independence, a road network connecting key settlements was created, and an airport was built, linking the island with the mainland, which is today Tanzania.
• Land Reform (Post-1964). After the revolution, large private plantations were nationalized and divided into small plots handed over to local farmers. This event radically changed the structure of land ownership and the social order, making the economy more people-oriented.
• Development of the "Blue Economy" (Late 20th Century). In response to unstable spice prices, the active introduction of seaweed farming began. This new sector became an important source of income for coastal villages and significantly increased the economic role of women in the local community.
• Course towards Exclusive Tourism (21st Century). Unlike mass tourism on neighbouring islands, the focus here was placed on eco-friendliness and seclusion. The appearance of unique hotels and the development of diving centres have formed an image of a destination for premium and tranquil relaxation.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Pemba Island is a unique chronicle capturing centuries of trade and cultural exchange in the Indian Ocean. Unlike European cities, where Gothic or Baroque styles succeeded one another, development here followed a special path, forming the distinctive Swahili Coast style, in which African, Arab, and colonial traditions intertwined.

The Swahili Era: Stone Architecture (11th–15th Centuries)

The earliest and most distinctive layer of architecture is associated with the flourishing of the Swahili civilization. Masters of that time used available natural materials — coral limestone and mangrove wood — creating structures that harmoniously blended into the landscape.

• Style: Classic Swahili architecture. It is characterized by thick walls made of coral stone with lime mortar, flat roofs, and a lack of external decoration, contrasted by richly decorated interiors with niches.
• Landmarks:
  • Ruins of Ras Mkumbu: Remains of a prosperous 11th-century settlement featuring ruins of a large mosque and unique pillar tombs, which are a hallmark of the region's medieval architecture.
  • Pujini Fort: A unique fortified complex from the 15th century, built by the ruler Mkama Ndume. It is a rare example of fortification with an underground shrine and massive defensive ramparts.

The Omani Period: Arab Influence (18th–19th Centuries)

With the strengthening influence of the Omani Sultanate, which came to include the territory now known as Tanzania, the urban landscape began to change. Architecture started to reflect the status and wealth of the trading elite.

• Style: Arab (Omani) style. It is distinguished by multi-story stone houses with internal courtyards that provide privacy and coolness. Carved wooden doors became an important element, although on Pemba they are found less frequently and appear more modest than on neighbouring Zanzibar.
• Urban Planning: In the towns of Chake-Chake and Wete, quarters with a chaotic yet cosy layout formed: narrow winding streets protect pedestrians from the scorching sun.

Colonial Era and Modernity (20th–21st Centuries)

The period of the British protectorate and subsequent independence brought functionality and new construction standards to the architecture.

• Colonial Style: In administrative centres, buildings appeared featuring elements of European classicism adapted for the tropics: deep verandas, high ceilings, and wide eaves. A vivid example is the government buildings and the hospital in the town of Wete.
• Modern Stage: Today's appearance of Pemba's towns is eclectic. Alongside historical monuments, utilitarian construction of concrete blocks with corrugated iron roofs prevails, meeting the needs of the growing population.

Notable Figures

The history of Pemba Island is rich with the names of rulers, reformers, and public figures whose decisions and actions influenced the fate of the entire region and the development of modern Tanzania.

• Mkama Ndume (15th Century) — A historical ruler and founder of the fortress city of Pujini. He is one of the most enigmatic figures in the island's early history. He created an independent state and erected a unique architectural complex, the ruins of which are today considered an important archaeological monument of the Swahili era.
• Said bin Sultan (1791–1856) — Sultan of Oman and Zanzibar. Although his residence was on the neighbouring island, his role for Pemba cannot be overestimated. It was by his personal decree that extensive clove plantations were planted on the island, which forever changed the region's economy and secured its status as the "Spice Island".
• Thabit Kombo Jecha (1904–1986) — A prominent political figure born in the village of Kisondela on Pemba. He was one of the leaders of the independence movement from the British protectorate and played a key role in the political processes leading to the country's unification.
• Seif Sharif Hamad (1943–2021) — A renowned statesman and educator, respectfully called "Maalim" (Teacher). A native of the Mtambwe district, he served as the First Vice President of Zanzibar and was for many years the voice of Pemba's residents in the political arena.
• Ali Mohamed Shein (born 1948) — The seventh President of Zanzibar (2010–2020) and Vice President of Tanzania. Born in the village of Chokocho in the south of Pemba. A biochemist by profession, he became the first person from this island to hold the highest post in the autonomy's government, focusing on the development of infrastructure and healthcare.