10 Comments

Hello Isaac. I am with Am in that a bit long and read in two seatings (because it WAS that good!).

I began to learn Swahili around 2003 and I have not come across the idea that ancient Persians had ever colonized even a bit of East Africa. I was taught it was the Bantu-speaking people who moved into the area and it was trade with Arabic vessels that introduced the loanwords, Islamic terms, and influenced some of the roots. So, perhaps, in the last 20 years the history of Swahili is being taught correctly, yes? Excellent essay and looking forward to your next one!

Expand full comment
Jan 23Liked by isaac Samuel

This was a really fascinating read, especially even it comes to women in relation to Swahili society.

Expand full comment

Great article. I learned a lot. I found this quote intriguing:

"The second important aspect is the role of women in early Swahili society. There is strong evidence that women in the pre-1600 cities enjoyed much higher status than in later centuries."

What do you think led to the decline in women's status in Swahili society in later centuries?

Expand full comment

This article is by far the longest I have ever read on substack and I gave up half way through. It seems it should have been subdivided at appropriate points into a series. It could still be done as a series.

It was well written and informative, just far too long.

Expand full comment

I read your essay with fascination. I wonder that Moslems are prohibited interfaith marriages. How could they compromise such problems?

Expand full comment