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The Rocks of Stone Town, Zanzibar One of the most important cities of the entire eastern coast of Africa, Zanzibar’s history dates back centuries, connecting it with trade routes throughout the Indian Ocean. Stone Town reflects this long history with build- ings that are also centuries old. The name “Stone Town” itself comes from the historical use of coral stone as an ingredient in cement, mortar, and bricks. Relics of its past include narrow alleyways that long predate the use of the car and specialized stone benches called baraza that offer relief when heavy rains turn the streets to mud. Features of colonialism by different powers are on display in Stone Town. Over the centuries, these different colonial powers competed for control of

The Old Fort in Zanzibar was built by Arabic traders who controlled the city and wanted to protect it from European attackers.