Colonialism, heritage and conservation: Zanzibari perceptions of the collapse of the House of Wonders

Zanzibari residents' perceptions of the House of Wonders, an iconic Omani-built structure with colonial ties, reveal a complex relationship between heritage and identity. The 2020 collapse of this Zanzibar waterfront landmark, which killed two and injured others, highlighted how locals view its historical significance—balancing admiration for its cultural heritage with critiques of its colonial origins. Interviews with Stone Town residents explored themes of history, identity, and tourism, uncovering layered associations that position the House as both a symbol of Zanzibar's past and a point of contention in conservation efforts. The study underscores the tension between preserving colonial-era structures for tourism while addressing their problematic narratives.

Longair, S., Said, F., & Wynne-Jones, S. (2023). Colonialism, heritage and conservation: Zanzibari perceptions of the collapse of the House of Wonders. Journal of Eastern African Studies, 17(4), 594–614. https://doi.org/10.1080/17531055.2023.2295188