Zanzibar: The Door

Zanzibar, the East African archipelago in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania enjoys a reputation as a melting pot of religion and culture, particularly, Omani Arabic, Indian and Swahili. In Stone town, on the main island of Unguja, the Omani influence can be seen in the architecture and houses with their elaborately carved wooden doors. Omani Arabic doors are distinguished by their rectangular shapes and intricate carvings, many symbolising inscriptions from the Koran. Against this backdrop Zanzibaris go about their daily business.