Lecture 4: East Africa in the Indian Ocean Trade

In this lecture you will learn about:

• Introduction: Overview, Importance of the Indian Ocean Trade in East Africa, Historical Context;
• The Swahili Coast: The Swahili People and their Culture, Architecture of the Swahili Coast, Commodities traded in the Swahili Coast;
• Commercial Centres: Kilwa, Zanzibar, Mombasa;
• Decline and Revival: Arrival of the Portuguese, Omani Arabs and their Establishment of their Empire in East Africa.

Summary: The Indian Ocean trade played a significant role in shaping the architecture of East Africa, particularly in the coastal regions. Beginning in the 8th century CE, merchants from the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia began travelling to the region in search of new trading opportunities, bringing with them new ideas, technologies and architectural styles.

One of the most prominent examples of this influence is seen in the Swahili architecture of East Africa. Swahili architecture is characterized using coral stone, intricate plasterwork and decorative wooden carvings. 

It also incorporates elements of Islamic architecture, such as minarets, arches and domes. This style of architecture emerged as a result of the cultural exchange that took place between the East African coast and the wider Indian Ocean region that included the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East.

The Indian Ocean trade facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and people, contributing to the development of a unique architectural style in East Africa. The architecture of the region reflects the cultural diversity of the people who lived there, including the Arabs, Persians, Indians and Africans who all had a role in shaping it.

ArCHIAM. "Lecture 4:" East Africa in the Indian Ocean Trade." Part 4 of 4 presentations developed for the Aga Khan Trust for Culture Education Programme, 2023.

Aga Khan Trust for Culture Education Programme and the Centre for the Study of Architecture and Cultural Heritage of India, Arabia, and Maghreb (University of Liverpool)