Book set to preserve Zanzibar history, cultural heritage through literature

ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar government has commended efforts to preserve Isles history, culture, and daily life through literature, following the launch of the book ‘Zanzibar in 365 Stories’ by Amsterdam-based author Caroline Langevoord.

Launching the book at an event held at the Secret Garden in Stone Town, Unguja, Acting Minister for Tourism and Heritage Mr Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, said writing plays a crucial role in preserving national heritage and promoting Zanzibar on the global stage.

He noted that the book comes at a timely moment, as it presents an authentic picture of Zanzibar by highlighting its history, traditions, religion, cuisine, environment, and the everyday lives of its people.

“Zanzibar is not just about beaches and the ocean; it is about the stories of its people, their culture, and their heritage. This book is an important asset in advancing cultural tourism and showcasing the uniqueness of our islands,” said Soraga.

He also encouraged local writers to continue telling their own stories in order to preserve history and offer the world a chance to understand Zanzibar through the eyes of its people.

For her part, the author, Caroline Langevoord, said the aim of the book is to portray the real beauty of Zanzibar and the daily lives of its people, rather than focusing solely on tourist attractions.

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She explained that the 365 stories featured in the book are intended to bring readers closer to the everyday experiences of Zanzibaris, their culture, the challenges they face, and the natural beauty of the islands.

“I wanted the world to see the real Zanzibar, how people live together, their culture, architecture, and daily life, not just the tourism side,” she said.

Langevoord, who has lived in Zanzibar for more than 15 years, added that one of the most remarkable aspects of the islands is how people of different religions and cultures coexist peacefully, with love and mutual respect.

She also cited Zanzibar’s safety as one of the reasons she chose to live there, noting that since her arrival, she has always felt secure, even walking alone at night, something she said is rare in many parts of the world.

In another development, the author revealed that part of the proceeds from book sales will be directed toward environmental conservation projects.

Participants at the launch event described the book as an important tool for promoting Zanzibar, preserving its history, and strengthening cultural tourism.

They emphasized that writing serves as a bridge connecting the past, present, and future, and called on Zanzibari writers and artists to use their talents to tell the stories of their communities for future generations.

Ali Abdalla Bahroun, a member of the Zanzibar literary community, said books like this give readers the flexibility to choose from a variety of stories.

“The stories in this book reflect the daily lives of Zanzibaris, including their activities such as weddings, funerals, cooking, business, and more,” he said.

He added that such initiatives add value to the writing industry and raise awareness about the importance of writing, not only as a tool for education but also as a means of documenting real-life experiences.

The book Zanzibar in 365 Stories is expected to serve as an important reference for both visitors and residents seeking a deeper understanding of Zanzibar, its natural beauty, rich culture, and the authentic lives of its people.