In the traditional Muslim community, since most homes are hidden by a wall, house doors play an important role. These doors may adopt a characteristic style according to the country like in Tunisia, or in Morocco. They are there to identify the owner in a certain way. A role that door-knockers also have everywhere. Sometimes the two form a combined association seeming to say: ''Show me your door, and I will tell you who you are''!
As the Zanzibar archipelago became an Omani territory from the 17thto 19thcenturies, it is no wonder to find a similarity between the two.
A few Omani Doors.
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| Old Muscat |
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| Mutt'rah |
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| Mutt'rah |
A collection of STONE TOWN doors in Zanzibar.
As Zanzibar has been under the influence of India as well as from Oman, the style and the symbols on the doors may vary. Usually, a square door-frame indicates an Omani influence, whereas an upper rounded frame reveals an Indian origin, like most probably a lotus symbol indicating harmony. The Arabic inscriptions are quotes from the Koran and testify of the owner's religion.
Besides, many traditional doors in Zanzibar are covered with brass studs. Originally, in India, these were a protection against war elephants. But since this defense is totally useless in Stone Town, this feature is purely decorative but quite a distinctive sign of Zanzibari doors!
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Christian Sorand
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