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!
yes, its mostly being taught correctly as the towns were certainly not founded by Persian colonists but by Africans living along the coast. However, their populations would have included persians and arabs that were absorbed into African cultures
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?
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.
It is excellent and it may be a booster for the blog/Substack.
If you have anything analytical on Great Zimbabwe and its original inhabitant I would look forward to that.
Jewish ancestry amongst some peoples in Ethiopia has been proved. I don't know why Arab or Persian can't be true either. There is a tribe in southern Zim who claim part Jewish ancestry but perhaps with less credibility.
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!
yes, its mostly being taught correctly as the towns were certainly not founded by Persian colonists but by Africans living along the coast. However, their populations would have included persians and arabs that were absorbed into African cultures
This was a really fascinating read, especially even it comes to women in relation to Swahili society.
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?
the omanis propagated are more orthodox version of islam during the 19th century
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.
tbh, i didnt know how best to summarize such an incredible complex topic without being reductive
Worth a try though.
It is excellent and it may be a booster for the blog/Substack.
If you have anything analytical on Great Zimbabwe and its original inhabitant I would look forward to that.
Jewish ancestry amongst some peoples in Ethiopia has been proved. I don't know why Arab or Persian can't be true either. There is a tribe in southern Zim who claim part Jewish ancestry but perhaps with less credibility.
I read your essay with fascination. I wonder that Moslems are prohibited interfaith marriages. How could they compromise such problems?
presumably the bride converts before the wedding, but it may have varied in practice