Zanzibar: Stone Town – Ornate Doors

Stone Town is famous for its super ornate carved doors, many hundreds of years old and reflecting the Swahili, Portuguese, Indian, and Omani heritage. Swahili doors are the oldest style in Stone Town, with a simpler and less ornate look than the Arab and Indian doors, they often have a rectangular frame with minimal carvings. Indian doors are distinguished by their brass studs and more complex floral and geometric carvings, Indian doors have features typical of Indian craftsmanship, such as rounded or arched door frames. The metal studs are used as protection against elephants back in India, but of course there are no elephants in Zanzibar. Finally, Omani or Arab doors have r intricate carvings and Islamic Koranic inscriptions, and often feature motifs symbolizing blessings, protection, and good fortune, combining floral and geometric designs with Islamic calligraphy.