MANGAPWANI SLAVE CHAMBER
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These dungeons dug in the coral rock were intended to cram slaves coming from the continent from the port.
What a surprise to discover these dungeons dug into the coral rock, well hidden by a discreet roof and a green grassy bed. Originally built by the wealthy slave trader Mohammed bin Nassor Al-Alwi, these few square meters were intended to cram slaves from the mainland from the port of Bagamoyo in mainland Tanzania. The path through the water that the men took when they were unloaded can still be seen carved into the coral.
Many historians believe that this discreet lair served Sultan Barghah and wealthy merchants to hide an illegal but persistent trade for years. As early as 1872, slavery was officially banned on the island by the British, who had control over the economy, or at least the importation of newcomers. It was therefore sufficient to land men clandestinely so that they could be sold and circumvent the law. This prohibition did not prevent the rich Arab slave traders from feeding an illegal traffic from this strategic point at the extreme north of the island. Slaves could easily be unloaded at night and then transferred to the market in Stone Town to be sold. The lack of ventilation, the malnutrition, the diseases, the bad treatment killed many of them. To visit these places, these dungeons of death in Mangapwani as well as in Stone Town is appalling. It is difficult to imagine so many human souls crammed into so few square meters, in such abominable conditions.
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