Tourism and Heritage Conservation: 21 st Century Challenge Case: Zanzibar Stone Town.

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1 Tourism and Heritage Conservation: 21 st Century Challenge Case: Zanzibar Stone Town. G. O. Awadh Dep t of Surveys and Urban Planning Zanzibar Paper presented at the Manifestation of African Perspectives Dialogues on Urbanism and Architecture 6 th 8 th December 2007 at the Faculty of Architecture - TU Delft The Netherlands. Abstract: Conservation of the historic towns and monuments relates to the history or remains of the past. This refers to the protection and preservation of the elements of urban heritage from being demolished or restored without proper and systematic planning, control and measures such as buildings of significant architectural value, historical sites/areas and uniqueness of local cultures. The paper looks into the town s assets (buildings) and its potentials that could be a basis for development, conservation and preservation of the Stone Town. A part from being national treasure, these elements should be promoted as tourist attractions. However, at present the Stone Town is changing rapid due to tourism development. Also the inadequate development policies on conservation as well as tourism affect the town and its historic settlement patterns. Key Words Historic Towns; cultural heritage; tourism; built environment/heritage; urban conservation; monuments and preservation. 1

2 1.0 Historical Background Zanzibar Islands forms part of the United Republic of Tanzania and consist of two main islands Unguja (also called Zanzibar) and Pemba and few smaller islets. The two islands are located along the East Coast of Africa in Indian Ocean. The Zanzibar Town is the Capital City and the Administrative Seat of the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government. The historic Stone Town as part of the Town is situated along the Western side of the Unguja (Zanzibar) Island. The Stone Town is the largest and most renowned historic seaport and centre of trade (slave, ivory gems etc.) along the East and Southern Coast of Africa, South East Asia, India, Arabian Gulf and Europe from early 14 th Century to early 1873 when the slave trade was abolished. Fig. 1 The Triangular shape of Zanzibar Stone Town. Its traditional coral stone buildings with combined significance of Arabs, Indians and European as well as Islamic architecture, narrow bazaars streets, massive curved Arab doors and intricate multi-storey timber balconies with cast iron from Manchester, England made a distinct urban context and a living testament to the great variety of influences which over a period of two and a half Centuries created a Zanzibar Stone Town a place of unique blend of history, culture and architecture. Zanzibar is a cosmopolitan country along the East Coast of Africa. This is rooted when the Persians, Arabs, Indians and Europeans began to settle in the islands with local African (natives). These traditions have produced a unique mixed culture. This multi-ethnic population has produced a rich Swahili culture, which make the islands unique and being one of important tourist attraction. The culturally diverse people of Zanzibar are friendly and receptive to foreign visitors. Fig. 2 Streets of Stone Town with stone buildings Fig. 3. The Balconies Fig. 4. The massive curved doors 2.0 Concept of Conservation Heritage conservation is very important issue to be considered in any development of historic towns. Zanzibar historic Stone Town has already been included in the UNESCO s list as World Heritage Sites. Urban conservation is a concept of urban planning and development in which unique historical, architectural and cultural values in urban areas are accentuated. The concept of urban conservation in Zanzibar was initiated in the 1980s. In the case of Zanzibar urban conservation is implemented co-jointly by the local authority, Stone Town Conservation and Development Authority, Department of Antiquities and Monuments, Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Society, Development Partners etc. It is imperative to perceive all efforts geared towards the conservation of heritage sites in a positive manner. This is because the conservation is not only crucial for national development, but to develop pride for their heritage in future generation The term conservation can be defined as preservation or restoration of historic buildings or towns with appropriate planning, control and management. In Zanzibar conservation aspect is usually associated with the built environment. Although, conservation differed in terms of approach and methodology but the objective is; To ensure that the life cycles of the built environment (i.e Stone Town) is maintained. Indeed conservation is a continuous process in lieu of the interest of the future generation. The paper focuses on the built environment of the Stone Town in relation to tourism development. The town selection based on the historical background and significance, 2

3 local culture as well as architectural importance of the buildings and the town setting. Other aspect discussed in this paper is the elements of town image. 3.0 The Stone Town as Heritage Site The Stone Town with its unique and distinctive features is the nucleus of Zanzibar tourism industry. Many tourism experts and visitors alike have described in as a symbol of Zanzibar for its past and present generation. Koth (1994:14) describe the Stone Town that the physical and social influences from this mixture of population have left many human made and cultural attraction that form an extensive basis for tourism development potential. For example, the main East African slave market at Mkunazini, where the Cathedral church stands today, the Sultan Palace, The House of Wonders (Beit-el-Ajaib), the Portuguese built Old Fort and many more are situated in the Stone Town are the unique artefacts for the tourists. The historic Stone Town is where the land value is highest and the pressure for change to accommodate tourism development greatest. Scores of changes of the existing stone buildings and new structrures are coming up over and many old buildings have been altered sustantially to cater for commercial activities. The growing tourism industry has highlighted the importance of heritage conservation. The reigning of Portuguese, Germans, British, Arabs, Persians and Indians (Asians) for over centuries bared their marks significantly on the island s Stone Town growth, development, trading and settlement patterns. After 40 years of revolution the remains of these traders and settlers are much presents in many aspects of the Zanzibar life including urban planning, laws, architecture etc. Interestingly the distinctive colonial architectural styles in buildings and monuments have played a major role in creation of heritage town (the Stone Town). 4.0 The Tourism Potentials The Stone Town of Zanzibar is witnessing rapid growth in the tourism industry. The prominent historical factors notable buildings of architectural significance, the bazaar streets and unique local community culture are the essential ingredients in making the StoneTown a prime tourist destination. The potentiality for the tourism industry is that: The Stone Town has an array of existing and marketable tourism products and attractions ranging from historic buildings and monuments, sites and local cultures to traditional activities and handcrafts. Several historic buildings in the vicinity of Stone Town have been converted into museum, hotels, restaurants and shops for tourism. The Arabs and the Indians by tradition play a role in the making of the Stone Town. The heritage conservation and tourism activities should properly be managed so as to enhance the development of cultural heritage, historic buildings and sites. 5.0 Categories of Conservation In Zanzibar heritage conservation can be classified into the following categories: 5.1 Building Conservation Building conservation refers to practice of keeping intact buildings and properties of historic and architectural values. Building conservation is implemented through listing and grading of historic buildings. Fig. 5 Buildings with historic and architectural values (the House of Wonders and the Old Fort) Fig. 6 The Sultan Palace among the Monuments changed into a Museum. 3

4 5.2 Area Conservation Area conservation is practiced through preservation of the whole town as it has elements, buildings and monuments of distinctive values and interest. It also includes the preservation of landscape elements and street furniture s such as trees, building control measures including façade treatment (advertisement boards, colour), building height, and architectural design. 5.3 Cultural Conservation Cultural conservation relates to the preservation of the vitality and authenticity of the local activities and cultures of the local community such as traditional lifestyles, arts, music and dance, craftsmanship and costumes. Culture is the source of identity and sovereignty of a nation. The unique cultural heritage of a community expresses a specific characteristic of country so it breeds and breathes life and colours onto the urban and rural settings. Local community life in a heritage city accompanied by traditional activities captures tourist attraction. Trading in Zanzibar doors, well decorated brass studded wooden cases are some example of the traditional arts and crafts which entice tourist. Cultural conservation should be given priority to ensure their vigour and continuity. 6.0 The Need for Heritage Conservation The heritage conservation can be beneficial to different sectors including the local community, public sector, investors as well as tourist. Major areas of benefits on heritage conservation to the Zanzibar Stone Town context: 6.1 Protection of Unique Historic Buildings The practice of building conservation and preservation using systematic recording and documentation information regarding the history of the building including architectural values. 6.2 The Image and Identity of Heritage Site The built environment of historic buildings, streets and landscape in an area portray visual evidence of the past. The artefacts are strong enough to build an image and identity of a heritage city. Historic buildings usually mark the physical characteristic to the old city differentiating it from modern city. Zanzibar Stone Town has a host of historic buildings, which portray a distinct character, image and identity of an old town. 6.3 Heritage Value of Local Culture. The unique characteristic of the local community should be considered seriously in the process of heritage conservation. Over the years Zanzibar multi-cultural society have develop an attractive culmination of culture, which lure foreign tourist. These cultural identities and expressions include traditional arts and crafts, community festivals and traditional games (bao, cards etc) and religion ceremonies. 7.0 Issues of Concern The ties between the conservation and tourism in heritage sites cannot be overemphasised. Many tourists visit heritage sites to encounter and experience the typical ambience of their architecture, history and local culture. Conservation help ensures the preservation of such historic character and traditional flavours for the benefits of tourism. The main issues facing the Zanzibar Stone Town in terms of its built heritage: 7.1 The Growing Tourism Industry The increase in tourist and expanding tourism industry in Zanzibar that contributes about 25% of the National foreign income in recent years affect much of the changing atmosphere of the building use in the Stone Town. The tourism industry is the second 4

5 highest contributor to the national economy and income of the community (apart from the agricultural products such as clove, spices etc) since the declaration of Trade Liberalisation in The buildings being renovated and converted into museums, art galleries, hotels, restaurant and tourist centres is a common phenomenon in Zanzibar Stone Town to cater for tourists. Considering the aspect of conservation of historic values, the buildings, sites and unique community culture can be developed and promoted as tourism products to generate foreign income. Fig. 7 The once residential buildings being renovated and changed to hotels to cater for tourists Fig. 8 The new hotel building replaced the collapsed residential building 7.2 The Institutions and the Legislations Public and private setor institutions are involved in heritage conservation of the Stone Town and its development of tourism in Zanzibar. These include Stone Town Conservation and Development Authority (STCDA), Deaprtment of Antiquities and Monuments, NGOs, Tourism Commission, Local Authority and Develoment Partners. The concept of conservation is a relatively new phenomenon in Zanzibar. Hence it is imperative that some of the sectoral institutions concerned in tourism development not consider heritage conservation to tourism development. These are private sector institutions and investors. Presently, non-conform preservation and restoration of buildings is taking place in Zanzibar Stone Town. There are legislations that govern the process of conservation and preservation of the town and its significant buildings. These are Monument Act and Conservation Act and Local Authority Act. These acts largely focussed on the conservation of buildings, monuments and landscape per se. However none or little provision is made on the important aspects of heritage conservation as a whole. 7.3 The Built Environment, the Perception and the Interest Every individual or group perceive the built environment differently, as a result the environment developed differently. The mental perception is associated with the individual perception and interpretation of the situation and elements of the built environment. The image of the built environment can be described through historical factors, architedtural significance of the individual buildings, landscape, community culture and activities. 8.0 Conclusion The general overview of the Stone Town conservation practice indicates that the town is far from being conserved or preserved. Despite the substantial effort in preserving the cultural heritage, the tourism industry remained the main cause of the changing built environment of the Stone Town, The encouragement of tourism industry is an attempt to find an alternative for development of foreign earnings for the Government. There are indications that tourism industry is becoming an important sector for the country s economic development. Therefore one can conclude that the tourism industry transforms the Stone Town. The conservation process of Stone Town in Zanzibar relates mostly to preservation and restoration of the historic buildings and sites. The process should not only preserve the image and identity of the built environment but should also provide the missing link between the rich tradition of the past and the present. The paper has briefly outlined heritage conservation practice and tourism development. Historic artefacts include buildings and monuments of distinctive historical and architectural 5

6 values, sites as well as the unique local culture. The conservation should be a continuous and dynamic process involving proper planning and development of townscape, architecture, sites, local culture and the community livelihood. It should also include preservation and renovation of street façade, building material, height, functions and interior renovation. Therefore, instead of putting more effort on tourism development alone a balanced approach is required to be established between the conservation of cultural heritage and tourism industry. In conclusion, urban conservation in the heritage cities could well be improved with respect to: Sheriff, A (1987), Slaves, Spices and Ivory in Zanzibar, TPH: Dar-es-Salaam. Sherrif, A (1995), Historical Zanzibar: Romance of the Ages. HSP Publication, London. UNCHS (1983), The Stone Town of Zanzibar: A Strategy for Integrated Development : A Technical Report Prepared by LaNier, R. The Stone of Zanzibar: A Feasibility Study for Integrated Development Report Prepared by Mutiso, D and Campbell, I (1984). World Tourism Organisation (1983), Zanzibar Tourism Development Plan : WTO/UNDP: Madrid. Zanzibar (1952), A Guide to Zanzibar : Government of Zanzibar. Proper guidelines regarding heritage and urban conservation. Enhance the importance of urban conservation of cultural heritage in relation to the tourism development. References: Aalund, F (1983), Zanzibar Old Stone Town AKTC (1994), Zanzibar: A Plan for the Historic Stone Town GoT (2002), Indicative Tourism Master Plan for Zanzibar and Pemba, Zanzibar. GoZ (2004), Tourism Policy Statement, Zanzibar GoZ (1993), Tourism Zoning Plan, Zanzibar GoZ (1982), Zanzibar Town Master Plan, Zanzibar. Koth, B (1990), Integration of Tourism Development and Environmental Issues: A Strategy for Zanzibar. A Report Prepared for COLE. Scholz, W (1990), Tourism in Zanzibar: A Critical Evaluation, University of Dortmund, Germany. 6