The Berlin Conference: Dividing the Swahili Coast

In this episode of The Berlin Conference series, Lucas and Luna examine the partition of the Swahili Coast during the Scramble for Africa. They focus on the strategic and cultural importance of the region, from the ancient trading cities of Kilwa, Mombasa, and Zanzibar to the competing claims of Germany and Britain. The episode highlights the role of the Sultan of Zanzibar, Barghash bin Said, who faced pressure from European powers to cede control. The Heligoland-Zanzibar Treaty of 1890 is discussed, in which Britain traded the North Sea island of Heligoland to Germany in exchange for recognition of British claims over Zanzibar and the mainland territories that would become Kenya and Uganda. Lucas shares details about the Swahili language and culture, the importance of the clove trade, and the resistance led by Abushiri bin Salim al-Harthi against German occupation. The conversation also touches on the lasting impact of the partition on the region's ethnic and political boundaries. #BerlinConference #ScrambleForAfrica #SwahiliCoast #Zanzibar #SultanBarghash #HeligolandZanzibarTreaty #AbushiriRebellion #GermanEastAfrica #BritishEastAfrica #CloveTrade #Kilwa #Mombasa #OmanEmpire #Imperialism #1880s #1890 #ColonialHistory #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo