What historic stone-built quarter is the old part of Zanzibar City in Tanzania?

The historic stone-built quarter forming the old part of Zanzibar City is Stone Town, Zanzibar.

Stone Town occupies a promontory on the western coast of Unguja, Zanzibar’s principal island. It developed from an older Swahili settlement and expanded dramatically in the 19th century, when Zanzibar became a major Indian Ocean trading centre and the seat of the Sultanate of Zanzibar. Its buildings reflect African, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences.

The name refers to the widespread use of coral stone in construction. Narrow lanes, bazaars, mosques, shaded barazas, verandas, and elaborately carved wooden doors give the district its distinctive appearance. The Old Fort, completed by Omani rulers in 1699, is generally regarded as the oldest surviving building in the town. Other landmarks include the House of Wonders and the former Sultan’s Palace.

Stone Town is not the whole of Zanzibar City: the newer area is known as Ng’ambo, meaning “the other side.” It is also not the same place as Mombasa Old Town or Lamu Old Town, though all belong to the wider Swahili cultural world. Stone Town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.