Origins & Early Life

Sayyid Barghash bin Said al-Busaidi (c. 1836 – 26 March 1888) (Arabic: برغش بن سعيد البوسعيدي), an Afro-Omani Sultan and the son of Said bin Sultan, was the second Sultan of Zanzibar. He ruled Zanzibar from 7 October 1870 to 26 March 1888. Barghash was born around 1836–1838 to Omani sultan, Said bin Sultan and an Ethiopian concubine.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was described as having sharp and charming character. He succeeded his elder half-brother Majid in 1871, having openly and adamantly contested his rule, and at one point was arrested for treason and exiled to India and Bombay. Upon becoming sultan his reign became successful and is credited with building much of the infrastructure of Stone Town, including piped water, public baths, a police force, roads, parks, hospitals and large administrative buildings such as the (Bait el-Ajaib) House of Wonders. He was perhaps the last Sultan to maintain a measure of true independence from European control. He consulted with European "advisors" who had immense influence, but he was still the central figure they wrestled to control.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He crossed wits with diplomats from Britain, America, Germany, France and Portugal and was often able to play...

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