Swahili settlements of the East African coast date from as early as the first century CE when eastern Bantu people on the east coast of Africa began adopting the Swahili language and culture and founded settlements along the coast and islands. [1] Below is a list of Swahili settlements founded between 800 CE to 1900 CE.
Msasani is an administrative ward in Kinondoni District of the Dar es Salaam Region in Tanzania. The ward is bordered to the north and east by the Indian Ocean. Kinondoni, Hananasif and Kivukoni ward of Ilala MC border the ward to the south. Lastly, Mikocheni and Kawe to the west. Msasani is named after Medieval Swahili settlement that used to exist in the ward. According to the 2012 census, the ward has a population of 48,920.
Kimbiji is an administrative ward in the Kigamboni district of the Dar es Salaam Region of Tanzania. The Indian Ocean borders the ward on its eastern side. Pembamnazi to the south and Kisarawe II to the west form its borders. The ward is bordered by Somangila to the north. The ward is home to the Kimbiji Ruins a National Historic Site. Kimbiji is named after said Medieval Swahili settlement in the ward. According to the 2002 census, the ward has a total population of 6,411.
Mjimwema is an administrative ward in the Kigamboni district of the Dar es Salaam Region of Tanzania. Tungi and the Indian Ocean border the ward on its northern side. East is Somangila. South of it, it is bordered by Kibada and Kisarawe II. By Vijibweni, the west. Mjimwema is named after Medieval Swahili settlement that was once located in the ward. According to the 2012 census, the ward has a total population of 27,789.
Ras Mkumbuu Ruins are located in Chake Chake district of South Pemba Region. They lie close to the village of Ndagoni at the end of a long narrow peninsula known as Ras Mkumbuu, which lies to the northwest of the town of Chake-Chake. The ruins mainly date from the 9th century CE and were abandoned in the 16th century, though there are indications that they were built over older foundations. Notable among these ruins are those of a large mosque which was for some time the largest structure of its type in sub-Saharan Africa. James Kirkman, the first archeologist to excavate here in the 1950s, proposed to connect his findings with the "Qanbalu" mentioned by the Arab explorer Al-Masudi around 900 but could not identify remnants earlier than the 13th century . A possible identification of Pemba Island as a whole and especially Ras Mkumbuu with Qanbalu is still discussed.
Kipungani is a historic Swahili settlement on Lamu Island in Kenya's Coast Province.
Kipini is a historic Swahili settlement in Kenya's Coast Province.
Mkunumbi is a historic Swahili settlement in Kenya's Coast Province.
Wange is a historic Swahili settlement in Kenya's Lamu County.
Kipumbwi is an administrative ward in Pangani District of Tanga Region in Tanzania. The ward covers an area of 235 km2 (91 sq mi), and has an average elevation of 23 m (75 ft). According to the 2012 census, the ward has a total population of 5,333. Kipumbwi is named after a Medieval Swahili city state on the coast of Kipumbwi ward.
Mkwaja is an administrative ward in Pangani District of Tanga Region in Tanzania. The ward covers an area of 408 km2 (158 sq mi), and has an average elevation of 37 m (121 ft). According to the 2012 census, the ward has a total population of 4,217. The name Mkwaja is derived after a Medieval Swahili city state on the coast of Mkwaja ward.
Mkama Ndume Ruins was a medieval Swahili settlement palace ruins located in Chake Chake District of Pemba South Region that was abandoned in the 16th Century prior to Portuguese arrival and is known for its fortification. The site is located 10 km (6.2 mi) east of the town of Chake-Chake. The settlement was ruled by a leader named Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman, who was known for his cruelty towards his subjects thus earned his infamous nickname Mkama Ndume meaning milker of men in old Swahili. The settlement ruins bear this nickname.
Yambe Island is protected, uninhabited historic island located directly east of the city of Tanga in Tanga District of Tanga Region in Tanzania. It is the largest island in Tanga region. It is located entirely with the Tanga Coelacanth Marine Park (TCMP). The island is administered by Tanzania Marine Parks and Reserves. The island is also home to medieval Swahili ruins that have yet to be excavated.
A Swahili door or Zanzibari door is a door that was developed in the Swahili coast during the Middle Ages and peaked in the 19th century. The door is usually the first and foremost key element of Swahili architecture and was the historically first item that was built before the rest of the home.
Shamiani is protected historic site located inside Mkoani District of Pemba South Region in Tanzania. The site is home to partially excavated abandoned medieval Swahili ruins with a brief occupation period from about 14th to 16th century.
Msuka Mjini Ruins is protected historic site located inside Micheweni District of Pemba North Region in Tanzania. Msuka Mjini has a Swahili mosque from the fifteenth century preserved in ruins on the Kigomasha peninsula on the island. The date 816AH is carved on the interior of the circular mirhab.
Mduuni Ruins is protected historic site located inside Micheweni District of Pemba North Region in Tanzania. The settlement was established around 1100 CE.
Mkia wa Ng'ombe Ruins is protected historic site located inside Micheweni District of Pemba North Region in Tanzania. The settlement was established around the 15th CE and abandoned in the 16th century. There are ruins of a mosque, tombs and some stone buildings. The site is critically endangered to further erosion.
Kimbiji Ruins is a Medieval Swahili, National Historic Site located in Kimbiji ward of Kigamboni District in Dar es Salaam Region of Tanzania. Although the site has been vandalized by an illegally felled tree that fell on the mosque, the Tanzanian government is working to launch restoration measures as soon as possible.
Mbuamaji or sometimes spelled Mbwamaji is a Medieval Swahili, National Historic Site located in Somangila ward of Kigamboni District in Dar es Salaam Region of Tanzania. Despite years of neglect that resulted in vandalism, the Tanzanian government is aiming to start restoration efforts as soon as possible.
Mbutu Bandarini Ruins(Swahili: Magofu ya mji wa kale wa Mbutu Bandarini) is a Medieval Swahili, National Historic Site located in Somangila ward of Kigamboni District in Dar es Salaam Region of Tanzania. Despite years of indifference that led to vandalism of the site, the Tanzanian government has contracted a firm to begin repair operations as soon as feasible.