Nathaniel Mathews is associate professor in Africana Studies at Binghamton University and author of "Zanzibar Was a Country: Exile and Citizenship between East Africa and the Gulf." He tells us about his journey in studying Zanzibar, prompted by his early exposure to Swahili culture. He delves into the historical significance of Zanzibar, its cosmopolitan nature, the Omani influence in East Africa, and the slave trade's impact. He explore Zanzibar's political transitions, from becoming a British protectorate to the post-revolution identity struggles, and the eventual union with mainland Tanzania. He also touches on the complex identities within Zanzibar, such as Afro-Arabs, and the effects of the 1964 revolution which led to a significant emigration of Zanzibar's residents to Oman and other Gulf states. The discussion closes with book and film recommendations related to Zanzibar and East African-Arabian history.

00:00 Introduction

01:32 Historical Overview of Zanzibar

03:55 Omani Influence and Colonization

06:34 Economic and Cultural Transformation

16:49 British Protectorate and the Shortest War

20:25 20th Century Zanzibar: Identity and Belonging

27:52 Path to Independence and Union With Tanzania

29:52 Cultural Nation and Independence Movements

30:48 Colonial Rule and Sovereignty in Africa

32:40 Labor Protests and National Identity

33:44 Understanding Afro-Arabs in Zanzibar

36:41 Economic and Social Dynamics in Zanzibar

39:54 The Zanzibar Revolution and Its Aftermath

44:57 Exodus and Resettlement of Zanzibaris

53:14 Return to Oman and Ethnic Migration

55:58 Recommended Books and Documentaries

Nathaniel Mathews is a historian of East Africa and the Indian Ocean. He received his PhD from Northwestern University and is currently Assistant Professor of Africana Studies at SUNY Binghamton, specializing in the history of modern Zanzibar and the global afterlives of the Zanzibar revolution.

Connect with Nathaniel Mathews  👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-mathews-10430561

Hosted by: 
Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb

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