Ship graffiti at the Zanzibar Gereza (Old Fort), Stone Town, Unguja, Tanzania

A study of ship graffiti at the Zanzibar Gereza (Old Fort) reveals that these inscriptions, dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, provide valuable insights into maritime trade routes, ship movements, and cultural exchanges in the Indian Ocean. The research analyzed 35 unique graffiti entries, identifying patterns such as recurring ship names, ports of origin, and the use of specific symbols that reflect the diverse influences of Zanzibar's past. By combining historical records with on-site documentation, the study demonstrates how ephemeral maritime markings can serve as a tangible link to the region's trade history, offering new perspectives on Stone Town's role in global commerce during its prime.

Cooper, J. P., & Ghidoni, A. (2022). Ship graffiti at the Zanzibar Gereza (Old Fort), Stone Town, Unguja, Tanzania. Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa, 57(1), 90–120. https://doi.org/10.1080/0067270x.2022.2047526