Closure of Zanzibar's Slave Market by Sultan Barghash
June 5th, 1873
June 5th, 1873

How Long Ago?
151 years, 9 months, 10 days ago
Location
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Category
Social Movements & Civil Rights
People
- Barghash bin Said
Links & References
Tags
Closure of Zanzibar's Slave Market by Sultan Barghash
Sultan Barghash bin Said of Zanzibar issued a decree to close the notorious slave market in Zanzibar in compliance with a treaty agreed upon with Great Britain. This groundbreaking decision signified a major turning point in the region’s stance towards slavery, a deeply entrenched institution at the time. The treaty aimed to curb the slave trade and improve human rights conditions, marking Zanzibar as a key player in the abolitionist movement of the 19th century.
Sultan Barghash initiated the market closure.
Closure aimed to align with British anti-slavery efforts.
Significant economic and social changes followed.
Set a major precedent for regional anti-slavery actions.
What Happened?
Sultan Barghash bin Said of Zanzibar took a decisive step to close the infamous slave market in Zanzibar, an action motivated by a treaty with Great Britain aimed at eradicating the slave trade. This market had been a central hub for the trafficking of enslaved individuals in East Africa, significantly contributing to the regional economy and the international slave market. The closure was a critical juncture in the fight against slavery, as it indicated a shift not just in legal terms but also in the morals and values of political leaders in the region. Sultan Barghash, seeking to modernize and elevate Zanzibar’s international standing, recognized that maintaining the slave trade undermined these goals and hindered potential alliances with Western powers. By signing the treaty and enforcing the closure, he effectively aligned his policies with a growing global consensus against the slave trade. This act also placed Zanzibar in a complex geopolitical landscape, as it navigated relationships with European powers that had both imperial ambitions and humanitarian agendas.
In enforcing this treaty's terms, Sultan Barghash was challenged by internal resistance, as many local traders depended on the slave trade for their livelihoods. Nevertheless, the Sultan's commitment to the treaty reflected a significant moral stance and demonstrated leadership in a period of increasing international pressure against slavery. The closure had immediate socio-economic ramifications. Many enslaved individuals were freed, and the community began to grapple with the transition from a slave-based economy to one that could possibly rely on other forms of labor. This transition was fraught with challenges but laid the groundwork for Zanzibar's eventual economic reforms. The move also set a precedent for other regional leaders grappling with similar issues of slavery and trade, influencing future legislative and social shifts throughout East Africa and beyond.
Why Does it Matter?
The closure of the slave market in Zanzibar is significant as it highlights the intersection of local leadership and international pressure in the fight against slavery. It showcases Sultan Barghash’s role in navigating the complexities of colonial politics while attempting to modernize his domain. This act not only enforced a change in practice but also contributed to a broader dialogue about human rights and the long-term impact of slavery on societies.
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