Description
Stone Town, the old city of Zanzibar, is famous for its unique Swahili-style architecture that reflects the city’s cultural heritage and diverse history. The architectural style is a blend of African, Arab, Persian, and Indian influences.
Some key features of Stone Town architecture are:
– Coral stone buildings: Most of the buildings in Stone Town are made of coral stone. The use of this material was a response to the lack of wood in the region and the abundance of coral reefs just off the coast.
– Wooden balconies: The wooden balconies, or masharibi, are a defining feature of Stone Town. These balconies are often intricately carved and served as a way for people to observe the street without being seen.
– Intricate carvings: Intricate carvings in the doors, window frames, and balconies are a distinctive feature of Stone Town architecture. Carvings often display floral and geometric designs, as well as Arabic calligraphy and Quranic verses.
– Courtyards: Many of the traditional houses in Stone Town are built around a central courtyard, known as a bustani. These courtyards served as a private space for families to gather and socialize.
Overall, Stone Town’s architecture showcases the cultural diversity and rich history of Zanzibar, and it is well worth exploring on foot to admire the intricate beauty of these buildings.
Museum-quality prints made on thick matte paper. Add a wonderful accent to your room and office with these posters that are sure to brighten any environment.
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 189 g/m²
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%
• Paper is sourced from Japan