The Role of Sultan Barghash bin Said in Supporting the Intellectual and Cultural Movement in Zanzibar (1870–1888)

Abstract

This study examines the role of Sultan Barghash bin Said (1870–1888) in supporting the intellectual and cultural movement in Zanzibar during the second half of the nineteenth century. It focuses on the various manifestations of his interest in knowledge and scholars, his care for books and manuscripts, his support for Arabic printing, as well as his efforts to attract and patronize Omani scholars. The study highlights the Sultan’s keenness to associate with scholars and to allocate time for reading and studying religious and literary sciences. It also examines his interest in collecting manuscripts and preserving cultural heritage. Furthermore, his reign witnessed the establishment of the first printing press for producing Arabic books in Zanzibar in 1880, which contributed to creating a favorable environment for the growth of intellectual and cultural activities and enhanced Zanzibar’s position as a center of scholarly activity in East Africa during this period.