Reclaiming Darajani Creek: colonial sanitation, urban transformation, conservation and heritage memory in Stone Town of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

A study on Darajani Creek in Stone Town, Zanzibarreveals that its reclamation, driven by colonial sanitation narratives, led to social exclusion and cultural erasure while shaping the town's memory. The research advocates for the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach to balance heritage conservation with urban growth, preserving both tangible and intangible values. Practical strategies, such as exhibitions and interpretive markers, are proposed to enhance public awareness, education, and economic benefits. By aligning environmental, social, and cultural objectives with sustainable development, this study aims to safeguard Darajani Creek's historical significance and reinforce Stone Town’s Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).

Salum, S. S., & Chami, M. F. (2026). Reclaiming Darajani Creek: colonial sanitation, urban transformation, conservation and heritage memory in Stone Town of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built Heritage, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43238-026-00265-9