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International Journal of History

2025, Vol. 7, Issue 6, Part A

The establishment of the sultan's printing press in Zanzibar during the Reign of Sultan Barghash Bin said (1870-1888)


Author(s): Suleiman Saeed Al Kiyumi and Adnan Mohammed Bataineh

Abstract: This paper examines the vital role of the Sultan's Printing Press in Zanzibar, established by Sultan Barghash bin Said in 1880, in promoting a scientific and cultural renaissance in East Africa during the late 19th century. Inspired by his visits to printing presses, Sultan in France and Egypt, Barghash introduced sophisticated printing technology to Zanzibar, acquiring presses from Britain and Lebanon. By printing religious, intellectual, and scientific texts, the press played a vital role in spreading Arab-Islamic culture. It also set the stage for journalism in East Africa, which eventually led to the production of newspapers in Arabic, English, and Swahili. The Sultan was in charge of printing and hired prominent Omani scholars to oversee that the quality was good and that the books were published on time. One of its most important books was the Comprehensive Dictionary of Sharia, marking a milestone in Ibadi jurisprudence. The press encouraged religious tolerance by publishing works from many different Islamic sects. This made Zanzibar a center of intellectual activity. It led to the establishment of more than ten more presses and many newspapers after it was founded. This helped eradicate illiteracy and spread knowledge. This historical-descriptive study confirms the Sultan's Press as a fundamental institution for cultural enlightenment and intellectual discourse in East Africa.

DOI: 10.22271/27069109.2025.v7.i6a.439

Pages: 56-59 | Views: 118 | Downloads: 62

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How to cite this article:
Suleiman Saeed Al Kiyumi, Adnan Mohammed Bataineh. The establishment of the sultan's printing press in Zanzibar during the Reign of Sultan Barghash Bin said (1870-1888). Int J Hist 2025;7(6):56-59. DOI: 10.22271/27069109.2025.v7.i6a.439
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