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| Shabina Dharamsi | Miami, Florida, USA |
| My father was Shamshu Saleh and he was the best wicket keeper of his time | |
| September 12th 2015 | |
| Bashir Moloo | Dar es salaam |
| Excellent Job. I am too a Zanzibari like you born on 18/01/1951. I entirely agree with what you have written. I have one comment. I witnessed the fighting taking place between the revolutionaries and Malindi Police station by virtue of my living in ngambo and on the rear side ZNP Headquarters, Bharmal building, Malindi Police station were clearly visible. There were several sub attacks at Mailindi Police station before final assault on the Monday early morning on the 13th January 1964 around 5 am. That was the time when Malinid Police station was captured after all day and night fighting. The Police at Malindi were daring as they could repel on and off attacks. Anyway keep it up for your work. May God bless you for a very good write up. | |
| June 13th 2015 | |
| Diamond Mohamed Ibrahim Versi | United Kingdom |
| I left Zanzibar in 1965. My family is from Wete Pemba. We were cloves and copra merchants. I found your narrative very interesting and nostalgic. I attended Agakhan school in Zanzibar. There were many Ithnashiris in my class. I can recall only one name - Seyyida Jessa. | |
| November 17th 2014 | |
| Dinesh Patadia | USA |
| I WAS BORN IN Zanzibar IN 1955STAY , I LEFT ZANZIBAR IN 1967 TO DAR ES SALAAM. I STILL RECALL MY MEMORIES OF ZANZIBAR AT MY TIME IN ZANZIBAR. I MISS THAT PLACE AND OUR NICE TIME. | |
| March 28th 2014 | |
| Bipin Suchak | London |
| I am following up the email from Dinker Jani. My brother Shailesh (Shilu) was in your scouts group which was originally set by Harish Mulji Rajgor. The group used to meet at Bhanjibhai no Shambho. Wold like to hear from you. Rgds bipinsuchak@hotmail.com | |
| January 24th 2014 | |
| Amratlal Damoder Malster | KISUTU, MTENDENI |
| I WAS STAYING & BORN IN ZANZIBAR, AT MKUNAZINI. I LIKED THIS ARTICLE A LOT AND RECALLED A LOT OF OLD MEMORIES.... | |
| December 16th 2013 | |
| zubeir yusuf sameja | Atlanta ga usa |
| Born in zanzibar ,my grand father was Mohamed osman sameja living at kajificheni st vuga /abc bakery area near vajubhais shop .grand dad worked at bait el jaeb.He had sons namely omar sameja,abdul sameja,fazlul sameja,and daughters khatiija my mom,jamila,zubeda and razia.all of them passed away except abdalla,khatija,zubeda and fazlul. | |
| December 13th 2013 | |
| dinkar mohanlal jani | mumbai india |
| it was by accident that i discovered this website. i am a zanzibari. | |
| October 29th 2013 | |
| Fatima | Saudi Arabia |
| I would like to know more about Haji Jetha Gokal through Mr. Zain Abbas Hemani. My grandfather Syed Zakir Hussain left two of his children Safia and Mohsin with some Mr. Ghulam Shah in 1927 or 28 in Kharadar Karachi, whom Mr. Haji Jetha Gokla knew very well. I am on the lookout for their descendants. Probably Mr. Zain Abbas Hemani can guide me in this search. Please contact me on bersahsaha@yahoo.com | |
| October 10th 2013 | |
| Onaly Kapasi | Boston USA |
| My father Abdulkarim Kapasi was a teacher at the Agha Khan school in Zanzibar. I spent first five fun filled years in unguja. My dad was born in Zbar where he also taught English to the sultan's family. I remember their son Thaimur with whom we scaled the palace wall that looked over the street. I returned to Zanzibar and visited our childhood home in the stone town and it seemed that time had stood still! During our visit we stayed at Mtomi Marine a quint place about 10 minutes off the stone town. I came to Boston on a Harvard fellowship from Nairobi where I worked at KNH and thence been in Boston. Zanzibar lives on in my mind's eye! | |
| October 1st 2013 | |
| FIDA RAHEMTULLA | UK |
| September 12th 2013 | |
| Mohamed Shivji | Minnesota |
| My name is Mohamed Shivji and I am currently residing in Minnesota, usa. The reason for writing is I have a very rich history of Zanzibar in my family. My marhoom father and recently marhooma mother were both born in Zanzibar. My marhooma father's name was Marhum Jaffer Shivji who was the son of Sist. Fatmabai Kara a Quran teacher in Zanzibar. My recently marhuma mother's name was Marhuma Zehra Ismail Virjee. I thought if anyone who knew the shivji and virjee families in Zanzibar would maybe recognize my marhum father's and marhooma mother's name. Please recite a sura fateha for both of them and all the marhoomeens. Ila hi Ya meen. | |
| August 25th 2013 | |
| Diljit Bahra | UK |
| Came across this site by chance whilst researching hockey in Zanzibar in 1959. Trying to ascertain T. Singh' full name. He played hockey for Zanzibar against Uganda in Kampala in 1959. Does anyone know of him on your forum? | |
| April 16th 2013 | |
| Al-Nasir Kassam (Nasiro) | Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| What a great article! How ironic- as I was remiscing about the glory days of AgaKhan Cricket Club of Dar es Salaam with Mithoo Thawer just yesterday in JK. I am the nephew of Bapji Moorji, Nephew of Akber Moorji, Cousin of Mohamed Virji (Vichiro from the Majigo side of my family, relative of Gulu Ramji ( Gulu Mapero), relative of Shiraz Sumar and Bashir Ramzan,and relative of Badru Satchu (Mtumo) from the Moorji side, As an avid fan of cricket in my Primary School days in the 60's the names of Gulu , Shera and Hasnu, Mamda Kassam, Bhamji Bros, Aloo Visram, Firoz Goa, Dulu Bha, Shiraz Sumar, Rustam Kassam, Sadru AG, Shamshu Alidina, Mandho, Fida Giga, Moon, etc. You know the names! I have witnessed the mele that erupted at Karimjee Gymkhana grounds after Mamda was called out doubtfully in a run out in ther last over against the Bohra's, the Fantastic Team chemistry of the Bohra SC with Tahir Ali and fellow team members, the awesome display of Power Cricket by Vasant Tapu fo Hindu SC, The Bumper Bowling of Pranlal Divetcha, the Crafty Batsmanship of Suresh Rawal of Cooper Motors CC, the great RD and CD Patel of Kinondhoni SC,and the names go on and on. I have even had the very rare sight of AP Haji batting, (yes that's right- AP Haji, Shiraz Haji's brother) bat when no one else was available to bat on a Mama's 11 team on a Saturday. If memory serves me right, every one expected him to be bowled on the very first pitch. He got 11 runs on his at bat. How we don't know! All I know is he was a better Tennis player than a Cricketer. Finally I have my Dad to thank for all these sweet memories that have been etched in my life. My Hero in Life- Abdul Kassam (Majigo) He was the one that took me to the matches, begining as early as 6 years old to see all these wonderful people play cricket, and allowing me to hang out at Diamond Jubilee Hall and the adjoining Tennis Courts. Oh yeah- by the way- He was one heck of a Championship Tenis Player! | |
| January 27th 2013 | |
| Fatima (Tushi) | England |
| Zanzibar, we had Photo studio, Tanzania photo studio. | |
| January 13th 2013 | |
| Ahmed Ally | Tanga |
| Your story is very intresting.My grandfather was Bohra,born india by lived in Zanzibar,but am not visited Zanzibar,all my brothers are living and working in U.K. | |
| January 2nd 2013 | |
| Mehboob Yusuf MOMIN | On tour always |
| Stumbled upon this page and liked it very much. Will keep meeting again and again, In sha Allah. | |
| December 25th 2012 | |
| Mehboob Yusuf MOMIN | On tour always |
| Stumbled upon this page and liked it very much. Will keep meeting again and again, In sha Allah. | |
| December 25th 2012 | |
| Ibrahim Juma | London |
| Enjoyed Abdul Razak Sherrif's. Abdul Razak you forgot to mention Mukree who used to visit the same restautant near jai Hind College for tea in the evenings. Best wishes. Ibrahim | |
| November 30th 2012 | |
| sadik juma | houston tx usa |
| mashallah | |
| November 25th 2012 | |
| Alnoor (Sorry, no need to divulge) | California, USA |
| Mr. sherrif, The following commentry is just an extension to the earlier subject of Zanzibar and Cricket and now on the subcontinent. I have to state quite succintly up-front that I differ, or more like, I totally disagree with one of the statements that you've made under: Chapter Two, Subcontinent, where you made the following comments: "The one person Khoja Ithnashris need be proud of is Mohamedali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, for he was one of them...." As an Nizari Ismaili Muslim (a Khoja- Ismaili in your vernacular), I kind of felt very offended to have read such an ill-advised statements like these coming from a person of your caliber, who I thought should have been "better" informed and rather well-versed with the history of the partition history of the Indian sub-continent. I don't claim to be an authority on the subject matter of "The partition of the Indian subcontinent", but nevertheless, I can state outright over here that the statement you've made is erroneous, simply because what you've written is just NOT true. Yes, I will somewhat agree with you that, Mr. Qaid-e-Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, did play: call it a significant, vital role in the creation of Pakistan, but to outright call him to be the founder of Pakistan, is just NOT correct at all. In fact, today, if you were to put forth the same question to say the late Mohandas Ghandhi, or Jawalal Nehru, or even Mohammad Ali Jinnah, or SIr Zafrullah Khan or any of the political leaders, past or present, of Pakistan or India, as to name the ONE and ONLY PERSON who they think is responsible for the creation of BOTH India and Pakistan (look I have said both India and Pakistan and NOT just Pakistan), then I can assure with 110% certainty, that they will name none other than The one and only H. H. Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III. Look, I want to state here that the foregoing statement I've made is NOT, and I repeat, NOT based on prejudicial statement, based solely because I'm a Nizari Ismaili and because HE was the 48th-Imam of the Nizari Ismailis sect, but rather, my statement is based on correct historial fact of the Partitioning History of the Indian Subcontinent. Look, I don't won't to go into the depths and breadths of the History of the Partitioning of the Indian subcontinent here, but if there was any ONE single entity in a person, Hindu or Muslim, during the British Raj in India BEFORE the Partition, who had ANY sort of influence, over the British Government - be it the King or Queen or Prime Minister - in Great Britain at that time, it was NONE other than His Highness Aga Khan III. After having read numerous memos, speeches, articles on the movement of the Indian-Muslim League before the partition, memoirs of The Aga Khan III and his Presidency tenure with the League of Nations, the history of the Hindu Movement in India led under the late Mohandas Ghandhi, I'm now totally convinced ever than before that this one person in His Highness Aga Khan III was the ONLY PERSON who was SINGULARLY responsible for the CREATION of the TWO nations: One India and the other: Pakistan. One for Hindus and the other for Muslims. If it wasn't for him then, I personally think that it would have taken the then-India would have taken a long time gain independence from their British Masters. And yet, today, His Highness The Aga Khan III, after his tiresless efforts in creating these TWO nations, is NOT recognized in EITHER one of these countries. Instead, credit is given to the late: Mohandas Ghandhi as the father oor creator of India, and Mohammad Ali Jinnah as the father of Pakistan - how pitiful! The present Aga Khan IV, His Highness Shah Karim al-Husainy, the spiritual leader of the present Nizari Ismailis sect, was put forth this very same question by a reporter in India, and his reply to this question was that my Grandfather, Aga Khan III, NEVER ever asked for any kind of recognition from either of these respective governments. We, the Imams of our times, have taken upon ourselves to work for the betterment of the whole mankind! His tireless efforts even today times when there is so much turmoil in today's world is seen to bore the fruits for the whole of Mankind and not just Muslims or Hindus or any other sect for that matter. I will end my arguments here after having stated my argument. sincerely Alnoor | |
| November 3rd 2012 | |
| Alnoor Mawji | Toronto, Canada |
| Thank you for the memories.... I was an avid cricket fan, alongside my dad, Fateh Mawji (deceased 1991), who, for the longest time, was the manager for AgaKhan Club 'B' (formerly Dar Cricketers). I was pleasantly surprised to see your reference to him in your article on Naaz Bandali. I was not aware of any acknowledgement to his efforts before reading your article online. It brought tears to my eyes to see the flashbacks to the good old cricketeering days. The community back then, while being fiercely competitive on the field, was also a brotherhood off field. Shakir Sherali was my neighbour down the road, and I will always respect the finer points of being a gentleman displayed by Bashir Tejani and Mohamed Nathoo. I also had the good fortune of tagging my father and being around a lot of wonderful people in the cricket community. The experience taught me a lot of values, which carry on in life. Their names be too inumerable to mention here, however, their input during my formative years lives on. I would not trade my childhood in the cricketeering community for anything! I would heckle Union during the matches on the weekends, as I was an avid AK Club supporter. However, come weekdays, when us kids used to play cricket in the alleys behind Upanga Jamaatkhana, Shakir, on his return from work, would sometimes stop by, and talk to us about cricket. His advice was always looked forward to, as he was a true sportsman, beyond his team colours. I would love to see an update on the current cricket community in Daressalaam, as it is sorely missed by all of us here in Canada. Here's an update on former players that I know of: Alnasir Hasham (Ilala): Lives in toronto. He is still a great proponent of fitness, and works part time as a fitness coach at a local gym in the area. His son, Imran, whom u made reference to in your profile on Ilala, is a prolific soccer player on the local scene. Zul Hasham (Ilala's brother): lives in the Thorncliffe area of Toronto. His son, Samir, has carried forward the family tradition of cricket, and, last I heard, was selected to represent the province of Ontario at the high school level. Bashir Ramzan: Is also in Toronto, and we reminisce about cricket's glory days whenever we run into each other. Mansour Ashadali: passed away in Toronto (May God rest his soul in peace). He will always be remembered for pushing every ball, no matter what the location of the delivery, to the LEG side. Shiraz Summar: Is in New York. Last time I saw him, was a few years back. He has shifted his focus to volleyball, and is every bit as agile as back in his heydays. Bashir Hasham: lives in toronto as well. Sadly, after a brief tenure with the Agakhan Cricket team in toronto, he has retired his bat, in favour of other endeavours. Amir Badr (PINTO): The colourful manager of AK Club, is now in toronto, after a short spell in Montreal. Both his sons have developed into exciting soccer players, and are a joy to watch on the field. I also saw Sajjad Lakha and Shabir Kaderbhai around toronto a few years ago. Not sure of their present whereabouts. I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the impartial portrayal in your articles, as well as for preserving the memories for all of us. I have been trying, albeit with no results, to find a site devoted to daressalaam cricket news. Would love to find out where the former cricketers are too. If anyone knows the contact information or whereabouts for Karim Jamaal (Bree), or Amirali Fidahusain (he was the wicketkeeper for AK Club back in 1990. One of the "imports" from pakistan), or Ayzaz Jessani,I would much appreciate if you could drop me an email. Is Mithu Thawer still around? What about Chacha that changed the scoreboards? Naaz bandali? Ganesh Nanji (G9) and the other fans? Sanju Pandya? Shakir Sherali? amin kara? Bashir Tejani? Mohamed Nathoo? Amir Nathoo? Onali Chandoo? Ranjit Bhatia? Rohit Vaja? Rashmi Raichuda? suru patel? Hitesh Patadia? the Kamania brothers? Is the fierce rivalry between Union and AK club still existing? My first coherent memory of cricket, dates back to 1979, at the kinondoni grounds, when, with the sun setting, Union's great batsman Sikander was at bat. Sumar, having replaced Ilala on the boundary, caught Sikander's effort at yet another towering Six, thereby gaining victory for Dar Cricketers. It forever left an impression in this then nine year old boy's mind. Thank you all for the memories, and thank you for what you brought to the game of cricket, as players, management, commentators, fans, and cricket lovers. It will forever be cherished in the hearts and minds of all those you touched. The precious treasure of brotherhood and values will never be forgotten. | |
| November 3rd 2012 | |
| Taha Abdulla baharoon | Abu Dhabi |
| Tuesday 05/20/2003 6:01:43am Your website reminded me of the nostaligic past. Reading Mr. Norman Livesty's posting in your 'Guest Book' made me recall my frequent visits to the hospital in Zanzibar. They used to be childish excuses to run away from school and from my arithmetic teacher, the famous Ibrahim Kassim, whom the Zanzibar school boys of three generations feared and regarded as brutal though now all of us remember him fondly and with all affection, and most of us do indeed pray for him for the hidden love he bore for us which we were too ignorant to understand then! I left Zanzibar immediately after the 1964 revolution following the detention of four of my elder brothers and fled to Hadhramaut, my ancestral home, only to see another communist backed revolution in the making. I lived in Yemen for five years and when things became intolerable I fled again, precisely in Sept., 1969, but this time to the Gulf States where I have now settled down with my wife, children and a grand child as citizen of the United Arab Emirates. Regrettably since the 1964 Mapinduzi the world has been in constant turmoil, at least in every spot where I decide to start life afresh. But now I have decided to stay put in this peaceful and propserous country, come what may. I visited Zanzibar in 1993 along with my wife and our six kids, all born Arabia, who knew nothing then of Zanzibar except very little of what they heard from their father's sensational stories! My wife isn't a Zanzibari. Before we landed the kids were quite impressed with the Zanzibar arieal view and compared it with Hawai islands often displayed in Holywood films. But few days later they were disappointed and I too wasn't in a position to defend all what I have been telling my kids about Unguja since their childhood! I found everything in a mess except the weather which the revolutionists couldn't fiddle with! Whilst there I went to visit Darajani School so as to invoke the memories of the good old days - 'kutambika' as they say in the old Zanzibar Swahili. I studied in that school from 1st to 8th standard. My heart was heavy when I saw the students writing on the floor as there were no desks at all. Everyone I met in the streets of Zanzibar was living below poverty line. One guy came close to me and whispered into my ears, saying " hizo ulizozivaa sizako tena" referring to the clothes I was wearing. I later gave him what he asked from me and more but this made tears come out of my eyes. I also found grave changes is Swahili language. For instance, I didn't understand the meaning of the words like kuzorota (derived from Arabic word meaning 'farting'), mazingira, mkurugenzi, Karo(School fees!) and many other strange words whose meaning I never new! On my arrival, the news headline on a local newpaper, called "MOTOMOTO", read as follows " Siyasa Ya Uchokozi Na Kujipanua" (Provocative and Expansionist Policy) this alien kind of Swahili plus many other changes in the very Zanzibarian customs made me realize that the island is no longer the same one in which we used to greet one another with a slight bent and with palms placed on the position of one's heart and saying with all humility "Msa Alkheri Bwana". Worse, Sauti ya Unguja was no more and throug all narrow streets of Zanzibar the local radio station, based in mainland, was blurting out a mainland song "Kumbe Kweli Safari Tabu" instead of beautiful rendition of Abdul Basit Abdul Samad. All this was a confirmation to me that our Swahili culture was long gone. I realsied then that what actually took place on that island in January 1964 was not MAPINDUZI but "MABIRUZI" - watu wamebiruliwa juu chini! In this connection let me tell you that our house boy, Kombo, who joined ASP, few years before Mapinduzi, became bitter opponent of ethnic Arabs and reamined so till when we were thrown out in 1964. But four years later, while we were still in Aden, he wrote me a very interesting letter in which he praised the revolutionary government with all the praises he could think of but at the end of his letter, and in a very tiny letters, he concluded with very funny statement saying:" Na sisi huku (in Zanzibar) tuhai mpaka leo kwa sababu tunazo roho za paka na kila mtu kabakiwa na mbili - (Signed) Mtwana Wako Kombo" His message was clear. Kombo continued to correspond with me untill he died, his words were always full of apologies and regretts for supporting hatred that led to the breakdown of our (Zanzibar) Swahili (Cosmopolitan) Society according to his own admission. Kombo is one of the Zanzibaris whose memory will forever remain with me. | |
| November 3rd 2012 | |
| Zehra Peera | Adelaide, Australia |
| Monday 01/28/2002 6:18:50pm I enjoyed going through your Memoirs. It brought back a lot of pleasant memories, in particular those of Vaddi Bhajar(Hurumzi). It was indeed a lively street and probably nicknamed “Vaddi Bhajar” by the Kutchi-speaking settlers. The rows of houses facing each other, within earshot, shops on ground level and dwellings above shops, created an atmosphere that made the early migrants feel as if they were at a home away from home. The shops in the street catered for most daily needs, such as grains, spices, and herbal medicines. Most of the goods were imported from India. Chocolates and biscuits imported from Britain were also available in our shop on the street. Our shop carried the signboard advertising Cadbury’s Chocolate over the door. In 1988 Issa, my husband, visited Zanzibar. He was shown a book in the planning department about Zanzibar streets, prepared by a team of Swedes working in Zanzibar. The book had a picture of the Cadbury’s Chocolate signboard over our front door. The Swedish architect who showed the book to Issa said that the signboard was a feature of such curiosity that it deserved to be included in the book. Name-tags were common in Zanzibar as you mentioned in your Memoirs – some no very complimentary though! Mostly they indicated businesses. In Vaddi Bhajar we had Jafu Msumari who sold nails and cement, and we had Saleh Madawa who sold herbal medicines. As children we were often sent to Chacha Saleh’s shop to buy herbal medicine. No sooner we named the ailment to him, e.g. constipation, he stretched his hand out and drew the right box from the shelf at the side or back without turning his head. He knew precisely the poisiton of the box on the shelf, and its contents. He wrapped the right amount of herbs in the paper and handed it to us. Our shop was a meeting place with Marhum Bha Taki on his chair (left on baraza day and night) presiding over the group until late at night. We had regular daily visitors from your end of the town as well as the other, Soko Mohogo. The grand chair was on the baraza for a long time after the family’s departure. In 1997 though, when I visited Zanzibar, after nearly 25 years, both the chair and the Cadbury’s signboard had disappeared. The Wednesday evening Majlis for men, and distribution of fateha to children on Thursday evening were weekly family features. Besides men, a couple of elderly women also came to Majlis regularly and we all sat in the room across from the Men’s area, with curtains drawn across the door, listening to recitations. As to Thursday’s fateha, I remember standing at our shop door chanting “ Wa toto fateha” and hearing the response “ Kina nani” from afar. I replied “Kina Ali Khaku”. You must have been in the group of children returning from Forodhani and knew what to expect. Besides the Wednesday Majlis at my house, one evening every year Vaddi Bhajar would be closed to the traffic for celebration of Hazrat Abbas’ birthday. It was like “Khushiali Ya Bankro” at Junni Masjid. On one occasion Laila (your sister Zainab’s sister-in-law) and I, together with some other children from the street, took part in reciting Kasida. I was reminded of this occasion when I was talking to Laila recently. Issa remembers attending a function once and being given a “ladu”. These ladus were made by Laila’s aunt, Mami Tahakro, who lived in the vicinity. The barazas in Zanzibar served multiple purposes. The elderly on their long walks used to sit on them for resting and the hawkers like Ali Bajia (another name-tag) put their wares on the barazas to serve their customers. As children we used barazas to play a game called “ crocodile chase”. The street was the ocean and the barazas were the shores where we would be safe from the crocodile’s jaws. Also, to avoid being run down by fast-moving hamali carts delivering goods from the wharf to the shops, we jumped onto the baraza when we saw one coming. The street separating the rows of houses on either side were so narrow that we could hear and see what went on inside the households around us. Neighbours standing at their windows gossiped across the street space. We threw packets of eatables to our friends through their windows. We also sat at the windows to listen to new songs from the Indian films being played in the neighbourhood, to memorise the lyrics. Growing up as children in Vaddi Bhajar, life was never dull. During Ramadhan, as the dusk approached, someone from my household and someone from your grandparent’s house would stand at the windows. Laila would be at her window from which she could see the minaret at Nai Masjid. When she saw the Muazzin reaching the top, Laila would come over to the window overlooking our house and cry, “Haya”, at which we rushed to the dinner table. We had good connection with Parsees. We were friendly with quite a few Parsee families because we attended the same school as their children, Saint Joseph’s Convent School. Dara Mistry’s family lived in the neighbourhood and as children we spent a good deal of time with them. According to Issa, I speak Gudjerati as Parsees did, which was somewhat peculiar. In your memoirs you describe Washiri coffee sellers. Their style of pouring coffee in tiny cups and stopping in time to avoid overfilling the cup was a skillful performance. So was the juggling of cups to announce their arrival. A coffee seller had certain streets for his territory by common consent with others to avoid competition. On his rounds, he would stop at the shops and pour coffee for the shopkeeper and whoever else was present in the shop. A shop was a venue for trading gossip and rumours.The coffee seller was also a purveyor of news, rumours and gossip which he picked up on his rounds. To this day, Issa brews coffee which he calls Kahawa ya Unguja every morning and drinks it from one of the tiny cups brought from Zanaibar. I even have a doll replica of the coffee seller in his traditional costume carrying his dele.Occassionally I make Haloowa Ya Manga which I learnt to make from Ukera Kassamali Peera on one of my visits to California. Dinesh Pandya's letter took me back to my student days in Arya Samaj.as well as my teaching days at Bait ul Raas. I remember his father panpati shop under Arya Samaj. Harish Pandya was my student at the Teachers' College Zanzibar. I have written a couple of articles on Zanzibar too. One article was prompted by an article I had read in the local paper which opened with the words "The light died, the fan stopped, I fell for Zanzibar." | |
| November 3rd 2012 | |
| Gerhard A. Fuerst | Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA 49007-4681 |
| Wednesday 09/05/2001 4:26:16am Dear Abdulrazak, I visited your personal website and found it to be very fascinating. Also I was thrilled to read the fascinating accounts about your life and times in Zanzibar and beyond. I was also reminded of my own experiences. I was born in 1936 in Germany. I lived through World War ii. I saw its violence, death and destruction. I saw the fires and flames of fury that laid waste whole cities. I had seen the bloodshed, the turmoil and the confusion. I remember the fear and the anxiety when we were forced to sit all night huddled together in cellars and bomb shelters. I remember the attacks of dive bombers. I remember the tears that were shed. I climbed over the mountains of rubble or ruined, bombed and burned out houses. As a child of barely 9, I also had to beg for food in order to help my family survive the hunger and trauma of those days. These experiences have left a permanent imprint and scar on my memory. The one and only time that I was able to visit the very intriguing island of Zanzibar was in 1976. I had been a graduate student at Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo, MI, USA) in international and area studies, with Africa having been my area of particular interest at that time for my MA degree. I had returned to East Africa for a third time. My previous visits had been in 1965 and in 1972. In 1976 I chose to do some travels independent of my study and travelling companions. After a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater National Park in Tanzania, I decided to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. I joined an international expedition made up of climbers from Japan, Sweden, the UK, and yours truly from Germany & USA. After this fabulous and successful experience, I treated myself to a bus tour to the Indian Ocean, in order to allow the healing qualities of salt water to comfort my blistered feet and, of course, to visit Dar-es-Salaam. There I stayed at the Hotel Kilimanjaro, enjoying luxury not found in the various shelters on slopes of its name sake mountain. While at the hotel, a few travelers, one originally from the USSR and two from the USA, and I decided during an evening meal which we enjoyed at the roof top restaurant of the hotel overlooking the harbor, to make a visit to Zanzibar, about which I had read just prior to my latest sojourn to East Africa. In Zanzibar, I chose to stay at a modest bed and breakfast facility located right at the coast facing the continent, where during high tide you could observe dolphins and sea turtles Unfortunately I do not recall the name of this particular B&B at the moment, in order to be able to praise its hospitality and good food. All of us had traveled independently, and we were to meet up again on the island. It was pure chance that the fellow from Russia also was looking for affordable accomodations and coincidentally chose this same place that a taxi driver recommended to me. At least I had someone to talk to and to make visits to the various local historical sites. On one of our many walks, we encountered the ambassador of the People's Republic of China walking along the beach looking for various colorful sea shells as we did also. We greeted each other, and we found him to be very interested in starting a conversation. So, here we were, a former Soviet citizen, now living and working in Finland, and for the moment on vacation in East Africa, and I, a West-German immigrant to the USA on a study/vacation tour of East Africa, had a "high-level" meeting with a Chinese diplomat, comparing notes about aquatic life and marine biology. We were all on an East-meets-West equal footing, so to speak, because all three of us were barefoot, walking through the coastal muck at low tide. It was a most fascinating and gratifying experience, because we parted with friendly handshakes and mutual good wishes. The Chinese Embasy was virtually next door to the B&B were we stayed. After several days in the tropical setting of mutli-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-religious Zanzibar, with its gregarious peope and friendly atmosphere, I flew back to Nairobi by way of Pemba, and after a very generous areal sweep by the East African Airways pilot over Mt. Kilimanjaro made for my benefit, allowing me to see from the air where I had been only a few days earlier, on a four day treck, hiking, climbing up to Kibo Point, just below the actual snow-covered peak, from where it had taken us us three days to get back to the starting point. Overall, a superb experience, and the highest physical elevation anywhere that I have reached in my life to date. Best regards to your family, Abdulrazak. Gerhard A. Fuerst | |
| November 3rd 2012 | |
| Gerhard A. Fuerst | Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA 49007-4681 |
| Thursday 09/06/2001 4:45:55am Hello Abdulrazak, I appreciated hearing back from you, and I am happy to know that you enjoyed my ever so humble contribution to your collection of guestbook entries. Although it has been a hot,long, hard, and exhausting day, let me add a few additional remarks. It was interesting for me to read that you are such a polished and published cricket afficionado. By coincidence, yesterday's entry in my history calendar was about cricket. Here is what it said : "Cricket was the game to play in the late 1700's. However, it wasn't until 1888 that the Marylebone Cricket Club in London wrote the official rules for the ancient game, which had gained prominence with aristocracies, as well as the common folk." (Source: "LIFE, Through the Second Millenium," Dateline: September 4, 2001, from LIFE & TIME, A 2001 Year-In-A-Box Calendar, which features something interesting, and historically significant for each day of the year). Would you believe it, I was a member of an international cricket team at one point in my life. It was none other than the frequent contributor and illustrious Namaskar-Afrikana member Dr. Visho Sharma, who introduced me to this game. He was my boss at Western Michigan University in a general studies course about the Nonwestern World, which I taught for 17 years as a part-time instructor. He still is the director of this course at WMU. In any case, Visho enticed me to take up the sport of cricket...a wicked game! :-)Here I was the only German in an assortment of Brits, Scotts, Aussies,Kenyans, Tanzanians, South Africans, Indians and Pakistanis. It was, therefore, also an eclectic mixture of religions: Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. It was the sport that got us together, however, and to practice and play regularly every Sunday during the summer months at a local city park. Recently there was even a suggestion that the recreation department of the city of Kalamazoo should build a permanent facility for the cricket players. I have to tell you right away that I never developed into becoming a prime player. In fact, whenever we played another team who happended to be short-handed, I was "loaned" to them, because it was generally figured that I would contribute little or nothing to any potential win of the out-of-town opponents. I did hit a few lucky 6 pointers in my short-lived cricket career, and I also eventually got the hang of bowling. It was fun while it lasted, although everyone knows that it is not really a German sport in any recognizeable fashion. I did practice other sports in my youth and as an adult, with a great degree of proficiency,however: track and field, gymnastics, soccer, skiing, and especially figure skating(both recreational and competitive: solo, pairs, and ice dancing, and also show skating). The latter sport I even taught for a period of time. I was the first professional figure skating instructor hired by the city of Kalamazoo at its first outdoor skating rink more than 40 years ago. Furthermore, I significantly contributed to starting and developing the youth division of the local figure skating club. I also coached an AYSO youth soccer team for seven years, taking them to the division championship 5 times, winning three plus a regional championship (AYSO = the American Youth Soccer Organisation). My son was an excellent member of that team. At my high school, I also sponsored and coached a fencing club. I had an assitant coach from Kuwait. He had been an international competitor, and he also represented Kuwait twice at the Olympics. He also was considerably better than I ever could hope to be. Another sport that I practice with some real devotion and passion over many decades an on three continents was mountain climbing, whereby Mt. Kilimanjaro was my greates endurance and elevation achievement to date, as I already mentioned yesterday. I still hope to be able to see Mt. Everest up close and personal some day! :-) By the way, some very serious sports injuries over the years kept me from climbing the ranks in competitive figure skating, but I also enjoyed that while it lasted! :-) All this was in my past. I now enjoy riding my bicycle together with my wife, and taking walks along the beaches of Lake Michigan, collecting rocks and fossils. All our children love the outdoors. We also like to go hiking and camping. The latter will have to wait until next summer, because now teaching school is the professional priority. Well, let this be my thoughts for the day. I hope you will enjoy reading about my many diverse sportive exploits. Best regards to you and your family. Gerhard A. Fuerst | |
| November 3rd 2012 | |
| Ramnik Shah | Surrey, England |
| Although we have `known` each other, in cyberspace, for the last 4 or 5 years, I never knew about your website until a few days ago. Be that as it may, having now visited the site, all I can say is that it brings out the flavour of Zanzibar, in all its senses. I have never been there, but as someone who was born and brought up in Mombasa, one always had a vicarious connection with the place we knew as a spice island, not least because we were taught from an early age that the coastal strip of Kenya was a British protectorate of Zanzibari territory. But apart from that, as a Mombasa person, it was not difficult to imagine what life was like in Zz and your website merely confirms that. In the course of my later life, I came to know quite a few Zanzibaris of course (among them I would mention one of the Lakha brothers and Ranjit Ramaiya who were contemporaries of mine as law students in London in the early 1960s) and so as East African Asians we have always considered Zanzibar to be part of our background. Life in Mombasa of my schooldays, in the 1940s and `50s, was simply idyllic. One could go anywhere and as a teenager I and my friends cycled into virtually every part of our island (because Mombasa too of course is or was an island). Its smells, sounds and sights, its architecture and street scenery, its general appearance - but above all the mix of the population in terms of colour, costume, religion, ethnicity, language and temperament - cannot have been much different from that of Zz. There is thus a close affinity between Mombasawallahs and Zanzibaris and I can easily relate to your `Recollections`! But it is your writings about the India and the sub-continent generally, but in particular Mumbai and Gujarat (Jamnagar, Bhuj etc), that resonate with me most. You actually lived a few years there, albeit as a student. I have only visited the country a few times, but of course it is in our DNA, so to speak, and one had sort of `known` it second-hand from early childhood. But I fell in love with parts of Mumbai when we, my wife and I, first went there in the winter of 1968/69. You may recall that we had some interesting exchanges on our collective and fond memories of Mumbai on the Namaskar forum in 2004. Let me therefore quote a few selected passages from what I had written then (and please excuse the extended length of this piece because of that, but I think you will find that we have a lot in common). So I will end this contribution with these extracts, and thank you for creating this space and for allowing us to view and participate in it - indeed, I see that from the number 51462 of visitors to the site when I first came across it only about a month ago, it has now shot up to 51731 - bravo!: "Abdulrazak`s exchanges with Dhiren, Bhadra et all about Churchgate and its various mouthwatering eating establishments have evoked memories of my own which I think are worth sharing The evenings were exactly as described by Abdulrazak - one could up and down the Marine Drive - all the way up to Chowpatty Beach even - there would be families and respectable folk taking their `constitutionals` or just milling around. We did a lot of exploring of the surrounding areas on foot (being younger and fitter then), as well as of course hailing those ubiquitous yellow topped taxis for longer journeys, for shopping etc. There was simply no sense of danger or discomfort. I remember once we had gone to see a play at some theatre in the evening, and when we came out - this must have been around 10 pm- found ourselves stranded - all the taxis were hastily being taken up, and we were left without any transport. So we just walked back to the hotel -along the suburban railway line, in the dark, a distance of probably some 2 miles or so. I don`t remember being frightened. There was nobody around to hassle us then. The various places that Abdulrazak mentions - we did go there - the Gaylords Restaurant, the Top of the Town (which was on a corner, I think at or beside the Ambassador Hotel), the Purohit (for our `Gujarati thali` lunch or dinner). Why did we fall for Bombay, and the Churchgate area in particular? I think partly because it reminded us of London and England - the architecture, the hustle and bustle and the freedom and anonymity afforded by the crowds. soak up the atmosphere and dynamism of Mumbai. We used to go to the Jehangir Art Gallery almost every day for coffee and there would talk to some of the elitist young things who used to gather there. We even tried bus travel (BEST, I think was what the Bombay bus system was called) by the London type red double-deckers (another point of favour for something that was familiar). There was a cinema more or less opposite Churchgate Station, On the other side was the cricket stadium. And oh, there was a restaurant that has not been mentioned by either Abdulrazak or anyone else, that also we used to go to: it was called `the Volga`, near the Flora Fountain, I seem to remember. It was the exotic name that had attracted me; the food was ok too. So whenever I think of Mumbai, it is by reference to the Churchgate, Gate of India, Colaba, the Maidan and the Marine Drive etc. I was also reminded of the beauty of the city earlier this year when I attended the SOAS appearance of Vikram Chandra, whose `Love and Longing in Bombay` I had read a few years ago and who read from his new unpublished novel, also set in Mumbai". | |
| November 3rd 2012 | |
| Anne Chappel | Adelaide, Australia |
| Wednesday, 15th August, 2007 Name: Anne Chappel Homepage: E-Mail: Chappels@bigpond.net.au Referred By: Search Engine City/Country: Adelaide, Australia Comments: Dear Abdulrazak, Today I came across your site and was very excited to read about your childhood in Zanzibar. I am a white woman, born in Tanganyika in 1947. I spent many happy childhood years in Zanzibar from 1956 till the 1964 revolution. We “escaped” from our house on the waterfront during the first day – using our yacht. I remain very connected to Zanzibar, it is in some way my homeland and its memories will never leave me. I have been back twice in 1995 and 2000. I know Kiponda Street, I stayed in a small hotel there. I would like to share some of those memories and stories with you. My father is Mervyn Smithyman and he was the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister after Independence in 1963. My father is now 96. I see that you are interested in cricket. My brother, Michael, was a good cricketer in Zanzibar (although only 16-18) and played many times for various teams there. I was fascinated to look at your photographs. The first one: The VIPs at a public function during the colonial days. Shows my late mother and father in the centre! How well I remember the Sultans red car. I used to bicycle around Zanzibar town for hours. Loved going to films at the Majestic and eating peanuts bought outside. Our first house was on the field at Mnazi Moja. My mother, Audrey Smithyman, taught Geography at the Indian girls’ secondary school for a time. I have many pictures and slides of Zanzibar. I find it very sad that there is so little recognition of what happened at the Revolution. So much was destroyed, so many lives lost. I have a considerable library about Zanzibar and the history of the coast. So I would be happy to share some memories with you! (and comment on an error in your story about the revolution) I now live in Adelaide, Australia. Regards Anne Chappel Nee Smithyman Anne & Mervyn Chappel PO Box 2339 Kent Town SA 5071 | |
| October 29th 2012 | |
| MUHSIN ALEY | PEMA/CHAKECHAKE |
| I NEED TO JOIN WITH FREEMANSON | |
| October 27th 2012 | |
| Daksha Patel | Houston, Texas |
| I am Mr Swaly's daughter and I was so proud to see he was so much loved. We lost him in 2005. I didnot read the whole book but do plan to go throuh it. | |
| March 1st 2012 | |
| John De Silva | Scarborough- Toronto- Canada |
| Great site...brought back many memories thanks and keep up the great work much appreciated Salaams Sana John | |
| January 29th 2012 | |
| Shefeeq Abdullatif Sanya | Zanzibar |
| will visit again to read more! | |
| January 17th 2012 | |
| Abid Patwa | Bothell, WA, U.S.A. |
| Dear Abdulrazak, Being a Bohora, it's w/ pride I read your mention in Cricket Feastf the friendliness of our community. Rightly so. During our youthful days, we always had youngsters from other communities play sports with us. In fact, FHR Kara played for the Bohoras at one time. I have a photo of the Bohora team w/ him in it. BTW, if I still lived in Dar, I would have been member of the Limbra group who know me by my nickname, Kika. Give my Salaam to them. I was pleased to see mention of my dad(Haider Patwa) in K.T. Karimjee's obituary. Also, pleased to see my dear friend, Shaukat Raja's mentioned in one segment. Anyway, purpose of my e-mail is, I have some photos of Aga Khan vs the Rest mentioned in the Aga Khan Club profile. My dad played for the Rest. If interested, I'll e-mail the photos to you. I also have photo of the Bohora team w/ FHR in the photo. If interested, send me your e-mail address and I'll send them to you. And once again, enjoyed your web site. Sincerely yours, Abid Patwa | |
| December 16th 2011 | |
| Abid Patwa | Bothell, WA, U.S.A. |
| Abdulrazak, mubarak to you for taking us down the memory lane. Your effort is highly appreciated in this regard. I am from Dar, our clan members, the Patwas had a cold drink plant in Zanzibar. Needless to say, Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam and Mombasa of those days were Heaven on Earth. | |
| December 15th 2011 | |
| Aftab Noorani | London England |
| Just got aquainted with your site and look forward with great relish to reviewing all the sections. Appreciate your effort. We East Africans did not write our history and so it is incumbent upon us old guards to do so for the future generation of Tanzanian diasporas. | |
| December 15th 2011 | |
| SARWER RAJABALI GULAMHUSEIN RASHID | mombasa kenya |
| i am original from mwanza tanzania, it was great to read and see the old time pictures, well allah give you jazae kher,well i am not a zanzibarian but i know many of them and i have visited lots of times, ahsantum | |
| December 13th 2011 | |
| sukaina | canada |
| just wanted to know more about my ancestors and have a glimpse at their lives then. | |
| November 17th 2011 | |
| Mustafa M | Mississauga Canada |
| " ""dubai delhi darbar nihaari recipe"" This was my search string in Google which brought me to your site. :-) Gr8 memoirs.. Although I must admit I do not have the time to skim through it all but wish I at some point in my life will be able to document my memoirs InshAllah. May Allah Bless You AMEEN!!! Mustafa" | |
| August 24th 2011 | |
| Salim Ramzan | vancouver canada |
| "amazing history site, just a question, my grandfather ""Ali Ramzan Damji"", played for panjebhai's cricket team, does anybody have any recollection? if u can please email me back my_dj@hotmail.com thank you for your help" | |
| August 5th 2011 | |
| Tony Sadler | Poole/England |
| I was watching the Kenya game in the cricket world cup and my mind wandered to F.H.R Kara. I had the privilege of meeting him as a young bowler back in England for my local club of Poole. He was truly a wonderful man and great cricketer. In fact, even in his seventies, he would make fools of many a local batsman with his ability to make them believe that an old man could never claim their wicket......little did they know! I knew that he had represented and captained the Union Sports Club and so was directed to your website. Kind Regards. Tony Sadler | |
| August 3rd 2011 | |
| Sukaina | UK - London |
| A wonderful website full of historical facts. Thanks. Just one thought...... Wouldn't it be better to remove the ladies' pictures due to them being without hijab and most are MArhumeen now... Jazakallah. | |
| July 16th 2011 | |
| Zulekha Karim | Vancouver,BC Canada |
| Very nice I enjoyed reading it. Thank You!!!! | |
| July 16th 2011 | |
| July 12th 2011 | |
| Dr. Arshad Kamal Khan | Barnet U.K. |
| Admirable effort | |
| July 11th 2011 | |
| Zulia is NOT Venezuela | Maracaibo Republica de Zulia |
| Zulia is NOT Venezuela!!! -- Freedom for Zulia!!! Long live the Republic of Zulia!!! | |
| January 24th 2011 | |
| Leila Fazal Nasser Mawji | Canada |
| I would like to introduce myself.My name is Leila and am the daughter of Fazal Nasser Mawji.It was nice to read the memoir of Zanzibar.Unfortunately I lost my father when I was 10 years old.It gave me great pleasure to see my Dad's photo.Thanks. | |
| January 11th 2011 | |
| Saida Lalji | Canada |
| Salaams, I was just surfing and saw the pictures, I come from Champsi family and my Grandparents, parents, my sister and I were born there too. I was brought up in Dar es Salaam but when I was back home I used to visit Zanzibar during Chelhum. | |
| December 18th 2010 | |
| Hamoud Al Kindi | Muscat |
| Good to be here, thanks | |
| December 9th 2010 | |
| P M Balaji | Hyderabad India |
| Fazal Bhai, Hope you still remember me. Pls be in touch. Regards Balaji | |
| November 8th 2010 | |
| Richard McIntyre | San Rafael, California, USA |
| Hello, I was looking up the 'big boabab' tree on the Internet and came across your site. I read some sections, including your flight from Zanzibar. Must have been a very hard time. I was born in Dar-es-Salaam in 1955, grew up in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and have lived in California for 29 years. Regards, Richard McIntyre | |
| June 26th 2010 | |
| Rajesh | Ahmedabad |
| I stayed at DSM 1979-1984. Watched some of all the Cricket matches described here. I am looking forward to my school mates/classmates of Bunge primary and Shaaban Robert of that time. RAJESH | |
| May 14th 2010 | |
| Skosel Muhammad | Malaysia |
| Keep up the good work. I am impressed with your collections of photos dating way back to colonial times. The Pictures of Mnazi Mmoja are just great and also are the pictures of The Scouts Karbala Project wayback in 1995. | |
| April 22nd 2010 | |
| NASSIR JAFFER KARIM [posta] | Dar es Salaam |
| Abdulrazak, keep it up brother, for us Zanzibaris, you are doing a wonderful work, you are really touching our hearts by bringing old memories as well as revealing history of which very little was knoen to us. Thanx once again. | |
| April 12th 2010 | |
| Renu Lakhani | Houston Texas |
| I am an ex Kenyan and seeing these memories I was very touched. Nice to know there are people who have saved these pictures related to the past Zanzibar.....Great | |
| January 12th 2010 | |
| Mehboob Akberali Sumar | Tanzania |
| i just stumbled upon this website and found it very interesting. | |
| October 31st 2009 | |
| ABBAS A. MOAIYADI | Dammam Saudi Arabia. |
| I was born in India, my dad shifted to Zanzibar when I was a year old. Lived in Zanzibar from 1953 to 1967. Did schooling there then College in Bombay and worked in Bombay Now in Dammam from last 25 years. Very fond memories of Zanzibar, my home sweet home. I will never forget Zanzibar. Lived in Sokomohogo Street. I am a Bohra had many Ithnashari friends in school. Your photos took me into the past. I still remember all street corners and places. Regards to You. | |
| September 6th 2009 | |
| A. Malik | Canada |
| Asalaamualaikum Mr. Fazal, I just wanted to let you know that the website you have created is a wonderful, thought provoking and moving personal account of your family background and the history of Khoja Muslim presence in Zanzibar! As a Kenyan myself, I find your compilation of work great source of information and a valuable resource for future generations! All the best, A. Malik | |
| September 2nd 2009 | |
| Husna Anwar | Blackburn/England |
| what a trail down memory lane....phew. not that i was born in Zanzibar,but all that i've heard from my parents who were JANGBARI'S.my parents and parents in law owned the blacksmiths,on mlandege.we live upto our names!we are luharwadhas.apparently my grandfather was responsible for the merry go round for the Eid Festival on mnazi moja,back in the days! definately spiritually connected in ZANIBAR.may ALLAH reward you abundantly.THANX | |
| August 20th 2009 | |
| Muhammad Hanif Kana s/o Capt. Noor M. K | Mombasa, Kenya East Africa |
| I was surfing web for Muslim Bhadala Jamat,& suddenly found your article, Infact not read completely, but i am very much impresed with your life history and all other facts. Want to meet you if i got a chance. I am 51 years old & belongs to Kutchi Sunni Muslim Bhadala family, born in Karachi in 1958, my father born Kutch Mandvi India in 1922, Mother born in Mombasa 1925. Parents died in Karachi, & i have migrated from Pakistan to Kenya in May, 2006. Thanks alot Brother for your very informative & impresive artributes. Say you good bye with Duas for You, your family and very specialy for your beloved Parents, May Allah Bless us all, Ameen. M. Hanif Kana s/o. Noor Muhammad Kana. P.O. Box 97416/80112, Makupa, Mombasa, Kenya. Cell No. 00254 712 111 982. Mombasa 14th Aug. 2009, Today my County's 62nd Independence Day. | |
| August 13th 2009 | |
| Max | Mbweni Zanzibar Tanzania |
| Nice site... especially your piece of mind regarding gay in Zanzibar and islam... | |
| June 19th 2009 | |
| Sudhir Suchak | Troy, Michigan, USA |
| Just started reading your memoirs. It brought back so many memories of Zanzibar. I grew up on the the island and als went to ESM and King George VI School. Mention of the names of all those incredible teachers took me back to my school days. You forgot Miss English. She was the English teacher for Form I and II. She was a pistol. Didn't put with any nonesence. | |
| May 28th 2009 | |
| Haidar Kamuss | UK |
| Nice photos. | |
| May 27th 2009 | |
| Nazir Patel | Blackburn, UK |
| I've been reading your website for the last four hours: since my brother sent me a link through a friend of his. It's so fascinating! I just can't get away from it. I'd very much appreciate if we could communicate through email. | |
| March 23rd 2009 | |
| jane osborne | england |
| I so enjoyed reading your article.I was born in Zanzibar 1946.My father was a British Police Officer there ,but because of my mother,s health we left for Northern Rhodesia before I was a year old.I have not come across anyone else from Zanzibar before,so I particularly enjoyed learning about my birthplace from someone who knows and loes it so well. Thankyou.Jane Osborne nee Field | |
| February 28th 2009 | |
| Gerhard A. Fuerst | Kalamazoo, MI, 49007-4681 |
| Hello Abdulrazak: I hope this will not cause you to fall off your chair. I just e-mailed Ben, after noticing your greetings from Dar es Salaam on the revived and revised Namaskar-Africana.com website. I was invited to rejoin, and I did. Our once frequent exchanges became dorment. I suppose we were both too busy with all sorts of matters, personal, professional and otherwise. I hope that you and yours are well. Greetings from afar and good wishes. More later. Details to follow. Gerhard A. Fuerst I will copy this and send it also by e-mail! | |
| February 8th 2009 | |
| Issak Esmail Issak | Norway |
| Within just a few pages Mr. Fazal has captured compactly a spectacular breathtaking rendezvous to my Zanzibar, to our Zanzibar of the fifties! People, places, events all warmly recalled and made precious then and at a distance. Zanzibar remains a place not in geography, but in time, it is as if it is all there, - we just need to take a time-ride and arrive. For most of us it remains a large part of us, and we are not being sentimental or nostalgic. As Mr. Fazal has described so vividly and with such beauty, Zanzibar was a place unique, Zanzibar is a place that always will be unique. Thank you for this delicious trip, Abdulrazak! - Issak | |
| January 31st 2009 | |
| Wissanji Naila | Swizerland |
| I'm surprise that in 2008 you are still calling the Tharia topan dispensary beacome now a cultural Center by Khoja Nasser Nurmohamed dispensary. it wasn't bilt by Sir Tharia Topan ? | |
| January 25th 2009 | |
| Munawer Champsi | Toronto, Canada |
| S/A Abulrazak...I met you at Kabrastan in Decemeber 2008 when I was in Dar and I promised to sign your guestbook. I must say that your website is extremely informative and my family and I constantly visit it to rekindle the past. Keep up the good work....Munawer Champsi s/o Sheni Champsi of Zanzibar | |
| January 16th 2009 | |
| Ramnik Shah | |
| Just a quick revisit. Am glad to note that your site is still attracting attention and notices from all corners of the world. Good luck. | |
| January 11th 2009 | |
| Issak Esmail Issak | USA |
| My Dear Abdularazak, I would love to sign your guest book, - have tried to write to you on your available e-mail, but all my e-mails were returned. I would love to talk to you before I sign, please send me your phone number and correct e-mail address at: ieijala@gmail.com | |
| December 29th 2008 | |
| Mrs. Audrey H.G.A. Dewji | London, UK |
| "I have visited your wonderful website on many occasions over the past 5 years. My husband Hussein Gulamali Abdulrasul Peera (""Shenny"") Dewjee was born in Zanzibar in 1936. Perhaps you know of the family? Peera Dewjee was an Ismaili, Abdulrasul was Ithnasheri, as was Gulamali when he was young. However, Gulamali was converted back to Ismaili by his wife's family. Hussein left Zanzibar about 1951 after the death of his mother and went to live with an aunt in Dar es Salaam, migrating to England in 1961 after the death of his father. He finally managed to go back for a visit to Zanzibar in 2004, taking his family (myself and our son, then aged 16) to see where he was born and search for his ""roots"". (We went again in 2006.) We managed to find his father's house/shop in Hurumzi Street (now 233 Changa Bazaar) and some information about Peera Dewjee who had been the Sultan's right-hand-man in the 1880s, but we couldn't find much about the years in between. Gulamali (who was known as (Gulamali Dhabo"") had a famous perfumery (attar) shop visited by locals of all communities, as well as tourists who came on cruise liners. Abdulrasul, listed as ""Treasury Superintendent"", was awarded the 4th class Brilliant Star of Zanzibar on 23 October 1941. Abdulrasul was one of five sons of Peera Dewjee (two others were Abdoolali and Abdoolhoosein) and he was married twice. Can you tell us any more about our family? I think you would be too young to remember Gulamali's shop, but perhaps you know someone who does. Any information would be much appreciated. There is a picture on your website captioned: ""The progeny of Nai Misid pioneers pictured around 1925 at 'Saun Baag.' "" Included in the front row, either side of Mohamedali Fazal Sheriff, are Gulamali Dewji and Abdulrasul Dewji. Could these be my husband's father and grandfather?? I have printed off quite a few articles from your website for my husband to read and they have brought back many nostalgic memories for him. Many, many thanks for this. Wishing you the best of health and happiness in 2008, Yours sincerely, Audrey Dewjee. " | |
| December 1st 2008 | |
| yasmin sumar | USA |
| November 29th 2008 | |
| shamsuddin | Afghanistan |
| good | |
| November 18th 2008 | |
| AMEIR AHMED | NOTTINGHAM UK |
| I love every pictures of ZANZIBAR it shows us how beautiful it was. | |
| October 19th 2008 | |
| Sherali. Mamujee | Oakville.ONT. Canada |
| Being a Zanzibari brings tears in eyes of the Old memories. Keep up to good work, and please get more pictures adding to the present collection.Amazing. | |
| August 22nd 2008 | |
| kassim kassim | usa |
| very intersted staff ilove it,asante sana bwana. | |
| July 12th 2008 | |
| Husein Marashi | Detroit, Michigan USA |
| Thank you for sharing your memories of Zanzibar. I left Zanzibar with my parents few months befor the femous, so called revolution of 1964. All my family never went back to Zanzibar after that departure. I was only nine years old at that time. My parents have both passed away since, but I still cherish my birth place to this day. I read your mothers memories very sadly. It reminded me of my mother too. May Allah bless you for sharing your precius memories. I always dream of going back to Zanzibar, and visit my childhood memories. Husein Marashi ( Son of Sultanali & grandson of Sayid Hassan, Agha Najafi) | |
| July 8th 2008 | |
| Armando Menezes | Barnsley, South Yorkshire |
| I was delighted to read all the emails and find the names of Tempton Bhumgara- my father's(Dr E Menezes) tennis partner and opponent. Unforunately my class mates Yusuf Khakoo, Peera Ukera, Ramnik Shah, Tulsidas Shah, Narendra Patel, Maulidi Mshangama,Abdul Riyami do not seem to have found your website. I used to play badminton with Baker Tejani, Shavak Maddon, Abdul Lakha( sadly deceased) and Essani. I left Zanzibar in 1954 and revisited only once in 1958 by which time my parents had moved from the house between Cowasjee Dinshaw and the Yach Club to a house opposite Cable & wireless. I rember many of the Bohora and Isthnasheri names as my father and his uncle dr Rudolf Demello and later my broher Ehrlich ( sadly ) deceased were doctors for the Bohoras and the Karimjee Family. was the Ali Bhajia who is so often menioned the hawker who carried his delicious bhajias in a glass case on his head. When i visited Mohomed Hasham Nasser in London a few years ago I was amazed that the bhajias were identical. Ali must rank as the most famous hawker in the world. It was wonderful to hear of the great success of so many Zanzibaris and especially of the children and memories of our teachers Mr Naik, Mr Desai, Mr Sholapurkar, Nr Khakoo, Mr Aboud Jumbe, Mr Juma Alley. A compilation of all your guest makes fascinating reading | |
| June 16th 2008 | |
| maryam | UK |
| hi, assalam aleykum,i just want to tell you that THANK YOU VERY MUCH, i love your website, i have never read information that are significant to my life as this before,i am zanzibari studying in UK, your article remind me of my child hood, the vast information that you collected gave vivid pictures of places and culture and many things that i didnt even know them, i was born in malindi, studied in hurumzi, haile sellasie and lumumba the process of your schooling i was feeling like i was reading my life story written by someone else,even the reciting name for students get into lumumba by sauti ya zanzibar brought tears to my eyes..the adnan mbatata ,the forodhani gathering ,the eid day celebration ect ,and the ghost stories we used to live behind msikiti wa ijumaa where before we get home we have to walk the narrow street behind the mosque where there are a lot of makaburi,and we used to scare each other me , my brothers and my sister.you have shown zanzibar in its true sense,original sense and not the way its always portrayed to tourist and you gave true picture of stone town and life taken from zanzibari point of view thats genious.and its very sad how people cannot even afford to keep living there very soon people will be forced to abandon stone town and it will just remain as ruins ,very sad.if you ever write a book about it i would love to know.thank you very much.inshallah Allah will bless you and give you good health to continue with your daily life. | |
| April 16th 2008 | |
| ram sidi karavadra | jndia |
| i read about the shinashries in zanzubar and the old memories were once more alive.i was at zanzibar and lived there from 1948 to 1964.i studied at sir euan smith madressa and later at king george the second secondary school.i left zanzubar after the so called revolution in 1964.going through this all about zanzibar now at 61 also i find it difficult to forget the beautuful island where i passed my childhood at shambha.i lived at gambhoo and my father was a farmer/vegetable cultivator at a place now called shamba ya baniani opposite lake sableni three miles from zanzibar town on the road to chuwaka.i had many shinashri freinds and a few memon and african and few arabs who were either studying with me at madressa or the king george the fifth sec school.i still remember the mnazimoja fairs and forozani.the three theatres ,sulatana,majestic and the empire.it now seems like a dream.i crave to once visit zanzibar,the zanzibar i loved and still love,the unforgetable zanzibar.my father had many friend the ramzu,ismail,zakira,fakira all at the vegetable market.my father has expired and so would have many of his friends. thank you for bringing the old memories back.thank you and wish you a fine and wonderful time. | |
| April 7th 2008 | |
| Mrs Taruna Soneji | Letchworth Garden City, England |
| I am trying to contact Dinesh Pandya. If anybody has got his contact details, please forward them to me. | |
| March 29th 2008 | |
| Mrs Taruna Soneji | Letchworth Garden City, England |
| March 29th 2008 | |
| mukesh khimji babla | baroda, gujarat , india |
| queer exitment going thru the website, never knew i could find such website which brings back ones dreams, kudos to you ,i shall certainly send to all my janzibari bhatia,s the existence of such an effort to keep root alive. i am one of zanzibar bhatias and belong to mawji vallabhdas family . my fore fathers, vallabhdas ranchhordas , and ranchhordas ramji came to janbar in yr 1860. we belong to bhadreshwar in cutch. and many agakhanis are known to me. i studied in class IV in agakhan school and my principal was Mr Pasco. Very little memories lie today but even a drop makes me delighted ashante i stayed opposite D'DON'MILANS JEWELRY SHOP, and the next to the brigestone tyre shop there was a ready made shirts shop. thankyou mukesh khimji babla | |
| March 26th 2008 | |
| Mahmood Nasser | New York USA |
| March 1st 2008 | |
| Husain Fazal | Toronto, Canada |
| Test | |
| February 18th 2008 | |
| Bhartendu Valambhia | Ahmedabad/India |
| "Dear Mr. Abdulrazak, Its really nice to know someone from Zanzibar. Babu was with us in the ESM and maybe in KGVI school. His brothers Madhusudan and Mukesh were also in our gang, all had chotis.One of my very dear friend Devendra Babla passed away in early 80s.Another friend Jawahar Kapadia, i do not know where he is.I shall definitely go through your site as when I can spare time. Mukesh is in touch regularly and he keeps sending me anything that he comes across. though we have never met since leaving the beautiful island in '64. Those days teachers were so very dedicated unlike nowadays- making money and not teaching anything unless you join their coaching classes. Consider ourselves so lucky that we had the good fortune to have such teachers, all have played their rples to make us better humanbeings, and with practical knowledge. Mater Shariff, Master Ibrahim Jaffer, Badruddin Sir, Mr. Rana,Mr. Desouza, Mr. Amin,Master Sanghvi,Master Desai, Master Nayak. I guess whatever good that I have is owing to them.Salute to all such noble souls. Guess even though studying in a madressa, I do not remember having any bad experience. or were forced to learn say Islam. On the contrary teacher like Master Shariff was a real connoiseur in Gujarati. pronounciations, grammar, and dialect all he used to teach superbly. Infact i do remember that when there used to be a wedding in either a Khoja family they would invite all the Gujarati friends and their food was cooked separately and mostly one day here or there not to clash with the nonvegetarian stuff, not only that utmost care was taken to cook and serve by Hindu cooks. It was a grand feast in the ""shambas"".likewise we never had any idea that muslims are different. it was like two part of a human body. both function properly and in tandem. Nowadays one hear about Hidu-Muslim riots. Killings and ruining properties. sad.Everyone knows it is politically motivated, but still, nobody cares. Lets pray to almighty that all these disharmony ends and Peace prevail. Thanks a lot, dear friend." | |
| December 8th 2007 | |
| Bhartendu Valambhia | Ahmedabad/India |
| "Dear Mr. Abdulrazak, Its really nice to know someone from Zanzibar. Babu was with us in the ESM and maybe in KGVI school. His brothers Madhusudan and Mukesh were also in our gang, all had chotis.One of my very dear friend Devendra Babla passed away in early 80s.Another friend Jawahar Kapadia, i do not know where he is.I shall definitely go through your site as when I can spare time. Mukesh is in touch regularly and he keeps sending me anything that he comes across. though we have never met since leaving the beautiful island in '64. Those days teachers were so very dedicated unlike nowadays- making money and not teaching anything unless you join their coaching classes. Consider ourselves so lucky that we had the good fortune to have such teachers, all have played their rples to make us better humanbeings, and with practical knowledge. Mater Shariff, Master Ibrahim Jaffer, Badruddin Sir, Mr. Rana,Mr. Desouza, Mr. Amin,Master Sanghvi,Master Desai, Master Nayak. I guess whatever good that I have is owing to them.Salute to all such noble souls. Guess even though studying in a madressa, I do not remember having any bad experience. or were forced to learn say Islam. On the contrary teacher like Master Shariff was a real connoiseur in Gujarati. pronounciations, grammar, and dialect all he used to teach superbly. Infact i do remember that when there used to be a wedding in either a Khoja family they would invite all the Gujarati friends and their food was cooked separately and mostly one day here or there not to clash with the nonvegetarian stuff, not only that utmost care was taken to cook and serve by Hindu cooks. It was a grand feast in the ""shambas"".likewise we never had any idea that muslims are different. it was like two part of a human body. both function properly and in tandem. Nowadays one hear about Hidu-Muslim riots. Killings and ruining properties. sad.Everyone knows it is politically motivated, but still, nobody cares. Lets pray to almighty that all these disharmony ends and Peace prevail. Thanks a lot, dear friend." | |
| December 8th 2007 | |
| Bhartendu Valambhia. | Ahmedabad/India |
| Dear Mr Abdulrazak Fazal, What a pleasant surprise! Your brother, Master Shariff ,used to teach us in the ESM. he was very particular about his teaching, and i very distictly remember he making us recite gujarati poems in a particular style. proper pronunciations and all.a real tough person with a heart of gold. Actually it was he who made taught me to write properly with good handwriting, be it gujarati or english.there were many teachers, mr badruddin, teaching us drawings, and when i had won a prize in the shankar's international drawing competition and my photos were printed in local papers as well as times, i became his pet. he was very affectionate person. Master Sanghvi, Master Malkan,Master Desai,master Kilembha, Ibrahim Jaffer who was again a tough task master, and never ever allowed us to mispronounce any word.he used to tear away comics in the class saying that would spoil our spellings.English and American spellings of certain words are very different-color and colour to cite an example. Through your column it is really a down memory lane. I had some good friends who are lost at present for me. like i was informed that azad m d kermali is no more. such a sad news. Murtaza Yusufali, Shiraz Yusufali, Sadiq, Husain, Harivadan Patel, Babu Jethalal, Dilip Soni, Bhupendra Kansara, Subhash Kashiram, Neville Arjani-our ESM Headmaster's son.some i have traced, some are still somewhere where i cannot reach. You are doing a great favour by your site, all those who love Zanzibar must go through your work, all the very best to you and may almighty give you a long life to carry on for a long time. keep up the good work. Thanks again, | |
| December 8th 2007 | |
| leila m khalfan | etobicoke canada |
| thanking you for sending me this website may ALLAH bless you.if you need any information about dewani family tree you can email me. salaam. | |
| November 28th 2007 | |
| Sadik H M Rashid | Dubai - UAE |
| November 23rd 2007 | |
| Abdulmajid Versi | Markham/ON.Canada |
| VERY IMPRESSIVE, I miss Zanzibar. MAJID | |
| November 23rd 2007 | |
| DIAMOND DHALLA | LOS ANGELES---USA |
| I am proud to be born in Zanzibar--I consider myself very lucky guy--thanks God--nice website any friends out there who knows me--lets communicate Diamond Dhalla | |
| November 22nd 2007 | |
| Parma Ivano | Milan -Italy- |
| Nice...very nice, the photo album it's very nice I come in Zanzibar first time for Tourism, but now come for living good days.Now, little, sorry not little part of my heart is in Zanzibar Island. If you can or want can visit this web page :http://www.zanzibarnelpallone.com/lang1/index.html sorry for my but Enghlis...but my swahili was terrible.....:-) | |
| November 20th 2007 | |
| Mazahir Sheni Abdulrasul Dewji Dhanji | Bathurst NSW Australia |
| November 13th 2007 | |
| Shabnam Shariff Caterino | Southern California |
| Love the pics and historical info. My mom was born and raised in Zanzibar. It's nice to see pics of places she's always talked about. | |
| October 24th 2007 | |
| abuu shani | Usa |
| very impressive | |
| October 20th 2007 | |
| Praful Mehta | Telford |
| Dear Fazal I saw your articles regarding some good cricketers in eacircle.com and was very impressed. Wish you all the best --- Your good friend Praful Mehta | |
| July 29th 2007 | |
| Sibtain Ratansi | Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania |
| Well Done!!! I have visited your site and it has got some useful information specially for Local cricket fans | |
| May 17th 2007 | |
| Kazim Akbarali Tajri | London UK |
| very well done! | |
| April 6th 2007 | |
| mustafa suleiman | leicester uk |
| December 2nd 2006 | |
| YUSUF CHAMPSI | TORONTO |
| BEAUTIFUL WHEN SHALL WE GO BACK OVER 30 YEARS IN CANADA I AM STILL HOME SICK | |
| December 1st 2006 | |
| Kishor Gajjar | Mississauga, Ontario, Canada |
| Hi Abdulrazak, It was pleasure reading about Zanzibar and cricket. I think your dad Master Sherrif was my class teacher at ESM school in 1954. I started my cricket at ESM school and went to play for Zanzibar Combined in 1963, Tanzania 1966 in the First Quandragular and finally East Africa. Please keep up the good work. | |
| November 13th 2006 | |
| Murad Hassanali Mshambara | Toronto,Canada |
| Hi Abdulrazak, Your old next door neighbour in Kiponda Unguja. U have done a wonderful job by creating the web. U have brought real good old memories back. Keep the good work. Regards. | |
| November 11th 2006 | |
| Shaukat Sadikot | London UK |
| Congratulations,it brought back many good memories of Zanzibar and tears to my eyes.I used to live in Malindi near Remtamasi's house. Thank You very much. | |
| November 4th 2006 | |
| Murtaza Kermalli (Kabana) | |
| Missing Unguja a lot since I haven't been for years! | |
| November 2nd 2006 | |
| marzia nasser | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| My name is Marzia Nasser. I was born in Zanzibar. I was studying in St. Joseph's Convent School. I did my secondary education in Ben Bella Secondary School.Taught in Mkunazini School for 1 year (National Service). Then left for DSM. in 1969 . Got married in 1972 and then went to stay in Tanga. In 1981 came to Dubai. Since then I am in Dubai. I visited Zanzibar during Chehlum in 1994, and again in 1999. I wish to go again. I used to show around my children- Sajeda and Salma. Sajeda (my elder daughter) passed away on 21st September, 200l in Dubai. I was wondering if my friends who remember me can send me an email. I have no contact of any of my friends. Whenever I read about Zanzibar (my home-town). I recall back my memories. I had really a good time. But now Zanzibar is dead. It is a pity. So many buildings have collapsed. | |
| October 11th 2006 | |
| Abdullah Ruwehy | Oman |
| the photos brought fond memories of Zanzibar as a Child.I left Zanzibar in February 1964 and have never been back. | |
| October 6th 2006 | |
| Mazaher Jessa | Toronto, Canada |
| Very touching and immencely moving description of old days in Africa. | |
| August 4th 2006 | |
| Sultan Somjee | Canada |
| Iformative. Keeps the connections to the roots alive. Lots of feelings in the writing. Thank you. | |
| August 3rd 2006 | |
| Murtaza Gulamali Dewji | Toronto, Canada |
| My dear school friend, you reminded my youth.I cherished good memories. | |
| August 3rd 2006 | |
| Mohamed Abdulrasul Esmail Bhalloo | Tornto-Canada |
| Congratulation, your web page is incredible and we are proud of you | |
| July 31st 2006 | |
| khoja | UK |
| Wonderful site. keep it up | |
| July 29th 2006 | |
| Muslim Moh'd Jaffer(Mamli) Suleman Khaku | Birmingham U.K. |
| Salams We left Zanzibar in 1965 for Karachi. My Dad's nickname was Mamli(Moh'd Jaffer Suleman Khaku). I know , he had a very good frend , His name was also Abdul Razak. We are 2 brothers living in UK and 2 brothers & 1 Sister are still in karachi. I am not sure if remember my dad. Take care Wassallams Muslim M.J.S. Khaku | |
| July 25th 2006 | |
| Mohamed Rahim | Dar es salaam, Tanzania |
| June 11th 2006 | |
| Rashmikant | Mobile. Alabama U S A |
| I am from Zanzibar. My cousin C D Patel,nickname Shodi was a cricket player for Hindu team. He worked at Health Dept, with Husein Kutemba. His father was a teacher at H H Agakhan School. My father was working for M M Bhagat on Main Road Near main Post Office. We`lived a block away from C P Jani Bldg. near Beit Al Ajaib. I studied at E S M,H H AgaKhan and Ben Bella Schools. I remember Zanzibar very much and always tel my wifw and son that there will never be a place like Zanzibar again. I remember Mnazimoja where we played football every evening and forodhani where we swam in clear waters and ate hot mohogo with red chilli powdwe and salt. Only I know how much I miss the old golden old fashioned days. Well time to say bye. Please let me know about Zanzibar. I shall be very grateful. Thanks Rashmikant Patel | |
| June 4th 2006 | |
| tehemtan arjani | Los angeles, California |
| Born in Zanzibar: finished high school in 1952 | |
| May 26th 2006 | |
| rashid mohammed | uk |
| nimefurahi kuona zanzibar yetu ya zamani inshaalah mungu akujaalie kila la kheri amin | |
| May 25th 2006 | |
| Altaf Sadikot (Hakimjee) | London |
| I am a jangbari bohora. Your article is lucid and humble. I was greatly moved by it.It brings back wonderful fond memories of life in Zanzibar. Thank you for allowing us to share your wonderful experiences. | |
| May 4th 2006 | |
| Mohamed Bhalloo | Toronto - Canada |
| The web site for Zanzibar is on of its kind, very professionally narrated and makes us very emotional. Thanks for your effort. I would be delighted to offer any assistance you may need. Kwaheri Khuda Hafiz Mohamed Bhalloo | |
| April 19th 2006 | |
| Dr. nasser Al-mauly | Oman |
| WHAT AWONDERFUL MEMMORY | |
| April 12th 2006 | |
| Amna | Tanzaniz |
| April 11th 2006 | |
| Akber Gulamhussein Ismail | Dar es salaam -Tanzania |
| I'm son of The Great Cricketer in Zanzibar - Gulamhussein Ismail Dharamsi of Sokomohogo Street -behind Majestic hall.Well keep it up. BRAVO!! | |
| March 22nd 2006 | |
| Sheni Fazal | Toronto, Canada |
| Thanks for memory galore! | |
| March 11th 2006 | |
| MOHAMED SOMJI | CANADA |
| QUITE GOOD.BROUGHT BACK MEMEORIES. GOOD JOB. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. | |
| March 3rd 2006 | |
| Sajjad Alidina (a/k/a Jal) | Lake Mary - Florida - USA |
| What a memory lane you have created!!! Son of Husain Alidina (Jabir). We had a shop known as Alidina Optical Service - opposite Sultana Cinema (now known as Cine Afrique)- as narrated by you being one of the stronghold gunfire venue on the day of Zanzibar Revolution. As our house was one of the tallest facing the harbor to the south and the Cinema to the west I personally witnessed the fleeing of Sultan Jamshed with his entourage speeding from his vehicle to the ship. I was 15 then. Now residing in Florida after living in New York for 25 years. Recently visited Z'bar after almost 25 years....shocked and awed but loved it !!! I get quite nostalgic with my childhood memories. Excellent job Abdul...keep it up. | |
| February 21st 2006 | |
| Gulamraza M. Jivraj | |
| February 21st 2006 | |
| zameer | lake mary, Florida, U S A |
| keep up the good work ! | |
| February 19th 2006 | |
| Shabbir Pyarali.Giga | Arusha Tanzania |
| It was nice 2 c Zanzibar [old town] [ | |
| February 13th 2006 | |
| zuber sameja | london/england |
| excellent article.really took me back in time. Thank you | |
| February 3rd 2006 | |
| Abdul Kayum.Qureshi | London. England |
| Beautiful memories! I was born in mombasa but my mother and her family came from Zanzibar. Used to visit janghbar in holidays. We are cutchi Kumbhar and my mother`s family, Miyanji, still there. Janghbar was jannat.Well done and keep it up. | |
| December 23rd 2005 | |
| RABYA | TORONTO,CANADA |
| i love your website,i m originally from zanzibar,been here in toronto more than i was over there,there is not a day which goes by without remebering unguja... | |
| December 11th 2005 | |
| Sajjad Alidina (a/k/a Jal) | Zanzibar |
| What a memory lane you have created!!! Son of Husain Alidina (Jabir). We had a shop known as Alidina Optical Service - opposite Sultana Cinema (now known as Cine Afrique)- as narrated by you being one of the stronghold gunfire venue on the day of Zanzibar Revolution. As our house was one of the tallest facing the harbor to the south and the Cinema to the west I personally witnessed the fleeing of Sultan Jamshed with his entourage speeding from his vehicle to the ship. I was 15 then. Now residing in Florida after living in New York for 25 years. Recently visited Z'bar after almost 25 years....shocked and awed but loved it !!! I get quite nostalgic with my childhood memories. Excellent job Abdul...keep it up and by the way, I have a software development center in Pune - India and if you need any assistance with your website, I am a few keys away ! God Bless. As of first week of September 2005, for those who are interested in the cutting-edge technology, please visit: www.infynita.com | |
| December 8th 2005 | |
| SHAKI RASHID | Miltonkeynes |
| Liked the articles. Keep it up | |
| November 27th 2005 | |
| SULTANATE OF OMAN | |
. | |
| November 15th 2005 | |
| Mounir Nassor | Paris (France) |
My Name is Mounir Nassor, son of Asghar Mamodaly Nassor and Sirine Mamodaly Jivah. I belong to the Kucchi subgroup of the Gujarati Khoja Shia Ithnashri community that settled in Madagascar via Zanzibar. I currently (2005) live in Paris where I am a doctorate student interested in and studying histories and cultures of India, past and present. I was told that one of my great grand-father on my Dad's side, Nassar Sharif or his brother Vally Sharif, was assassinated in Jangbar (Zanzibar)in the early 1900s. I just wonder if any of you have heard about it and know more about it. If so, do let me know (mounirnassor@yahoo.co.in). And thank you so much for this insightful site, specially the parts devoted to the history of the Khojas and the moving testimonies of different people in your guest book. Best wishes, Mounir | |
| November 12th 2005 | |
| NADIR NANJY | south africa |
| THANKX FOR YOUR SUPPORT | |
| October 12th 2005 | |
| Ashiq Kermalli | Lake Mary, Florida, USA |
| Assalamu Alaikum, I just surfed in after a very long time. I am working in the Orlando regional healthcare Center as Porfessional Chaplain. My job is spiritual intervention to bring comfort and peace to patients here. Alhamdulillah I am the first Zanzibari, the first Khoja Shia Ithnaashari to become a professional Chaplain in the world. Tears are flowing from my eyes as I remember the pristine Zanzibar that I left in 1962. I visited Zanzibar last in 1995. Please pray that I visit again. Please keep up the good work. Please come to Orlando and be my guest. Iltemase Dua Ashiq | |
| September 24th 2005 | |
| Musadik Chandoo | Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania |
| September 15th 2005 | |
| Thuweiny Seif Hamoud Feisal AL-Said | oman |
| please contact me | |
| July 24th 2005 | |
| azim ladha | calgary/canada |
| one of the finest sites. reminds me of home, born, and bred in tanzania | |
| June 28th 2005 | |
| Gulbanu Dattu | Toronto, Canada |
| I am very impressed with your site and believe you must have spent a lot of time in research. Great work! I have a favour to ask - Can I please get a copy of my great, great grandfather, Peera Walli's picture? Thank you. | |
| June 12th 2005 | |
| Mohsin Jiwa | Frankfurt Germany |
| Beutiful Website | |
| June 12th 2005 | |
| Peenal Asar | London UK |
| Abdul bhai Nice website. I was born in TZ, however have lived in UK most my life. I do visit Dar, Tanga, Mombasa , Zanzibar often to see relatives. However as time goes on, only a few relatives are now left. I love Tanzania, my father (who has now passed away) loved his country, the food, the people and so on. Your website illustrates how people from various backgrounds and religions can get along well. It swill be websites like this that will keep the culture of east african asians going on... keep it up. Peenal Pankaj Asar. | |
| June 6th 2005 | |
| Hakim bin Magid bin Soud Al Maameri | Muscat,Oman |
| I enjoyed looking at your photo's which depicted Zanzibar from another point of view. My memories of Zanzibar of before are still there though sometimes dim. I like to visit the island from time to time | |
| May 20th 2005 | |
| Naz Hajee nee Hameer | Dallas, Texas |
| I enjoyed viewing the pictures. Brought back memories. | |
| May 19th 2005 | |
| sadru mitha | Zanzibar |
| I was born in Znz but wnt to uk.Came back to Zanzibar 15 years ago.Khoja ismaili population is only 90. Everything has changed.I run hotel business.Many people who come back on holiday are rather disappointed. Stone town houses are not maintained, every year one ore two collapse during rainy season.Tourists however are coming in greater number. | |
| May 18th 2005 | |
| sabrina merali | |
| Mr Razak, I must say this is so very touching and so is the poem,in fact i just went home to bury my late mom who passed away while visiting Toronto,indeed true. I am from Zanzibar. My mom's family was known as 'Ngozi' who owned Majestic Cinema, from my dad's side we were known as 'Fatakra Wara'(Hassanali Hussein Hasham). Also known as Gigi who worked for Shell Co. with Kassamali Jetha Kassam. My aunty Shilo Bai married the late Sheikh Thabit Kombo and I'm her younger sister's(Gulshan) daughter. My mom passed away while visiting Toronto last November and we took the body back to Zanzibar for burial because she was well known in the Government circles and all the communities. The poem from the Australian person therefore really touched my heart, it's so very true. I'm so pleased that a friend of mine sent this to us all. In fact i still have a brother in Zanzibar and Dsm(Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, my aunty's son). I'm sure this website would be of interest to him just as much. Keep up the good work. | |
| May 16th 2005 | |
| Salim Kara | Toronto, Canada |
| "You have created a great site, very nostalgic... I was born in Zanzibar, but never lived there. I visited Zanzibar for the first time with my wife and two sons a couple of years ago. What an experience! My only regret is that I did not grow up there in the ""good old days"" that you refer to. My mother Shirin was the daughter of Ali Ismail Jetha Kassam (Shell Oil Agent) and my uncle Kassamali still lives there & in Dar. My father Gulamhussein was the only child of Pirmohamed & Sikinabai Kara. Good luck and God Bless." | |
| May 14th 2005 | |
| Nishadali Jiwa | Houston, TX. U.S.A |
| "Thank your Mr. Fazal, this is an incredible website!, you have worked so hard to bring back some great long lost memories, and nostalgia for many Cricket fans. My name is Nishad, I am a grandson of the late Badrudin Satchu (Aga Khan Cricket Club), he was known back home in Dar Es Salaam as ""Tuma"" and ""Antonio"" to his dear friends. He would have loved every section of this website, if he was still with us today, rest his soul, but thanks to websites like these, we can all cherish the memories again and again. Thanks Mr. Fazal for your warm wishes and regards, and for allowing me to get in touch with you, take care, and keep up the excellent work!..God Bless. " | |
| May 13th 2005 | |
| moledina | Tanzania |
| it is my pleasure to read about our past memories. | |
| May 6th 2005 | |
| Zain Abbas Hemani | Karachi/Pakistan |
| Dear Abdulrazak, I went through your 'Recollections' and found it superb. Let me introduce myself. The picture you saw at the Jamnagar Boarding House of Mr. Jetha Gokal is that of my great great grandfather, I'm his grand grand son. Jetha Gokal>Jeraj Jetha>Yousuf Ali Jeraj>M.Younus>Zain Abbas Our family is also termed as HEMANI because our forefathers were in hem business, that is 'goldsmith'. We are also called GOKAL because Jetha's father was Gokal Khimji who was Agha Khani. Another important thing is that Gokal Khimji's brother Lira Khimji had a daughter named Mithi Bai who was the first wife of Mohamed Ali Jinnah(Quaide-e-Azam). Jetha Gokal's grave is in Karachi. His date of death is 25th Muharram, 1918. In early twentieth century, around 1905/1910, Jetha Gokal called a great 'Mela' in Jamnagar and invited all Shia Ishanasheri people because they had just changed their religion from Agakhani due to their studies and the efforts of Haji Ghulamali/Haji Naji(a prolific Shia writer and founder of Rahe Najat). In that 'Mela' Haji Naji was also invited. At that time, Jetha Gokal paid Rs. 10,000 for the welfare of Shia Community(a hell big amount at that time). After the death of Jetha, his son Jeraj also called a 'Mella' in 1920 or 1925, invited the same guests and donated Rs. 20,000 to 'Welfare' as our shipping business was booming, from Karachi to Jodia, Basra to Africa(this information can be obtained from the old editions of Rahe Najat). I at times would desperately like to go to Jamnagar to see our old houses overthere, Jodia Bandar, old people who know about the Jetha Gokal/Jeraj Gokal history, and moreover salutation at Jeraj's grave. Jetha Gokal's wife's name was Mongi Bai who also became Shia Ishanasheri but her parental family remained Agakhani. There is my relative in Congo named Raza Hemani and in Kinshasa Mohsin Hemani who are also the grand grand sons of Jetha Gokal and hail from Jodia, Jamnagar. Our shipping business was first started by Jetha and later expanded by my forefather Jeraj Jetha. I've also pictures of our ship, so called 'waan' in Gujarati. However, after Jeraj my grandfather and his brothers clashed and we lost this business. On the contrary the grandsons of Noormohamed Jetha Gokal ie Mustafa, Murtaza and Abbas Gokal(sons of Kassamali Jetha Gokal) started this shipping business and went skylimit but experienced slide after the downfall of BCCI. Well, I like to keep in touch with all those who are interested in Khoja history. Iltimase dua, may God bless you for the sake of Panjatane Pak. | |
| May 3rd 2005 | |
| Mohammed Visram | Toronto |
| Very good and memorable pictures. | |
| May 2nd 2005 | |
| sameen javer | torrance, usa |
| Being a zanzibari, it brought back good old memories. Asante. | |
| March 30th 2005 | |
| Mukesh Jethalal Valabhdas Gajaria | Toronto,Canada |
| "Great new site.Brings a lot of nostalgia.Keep up the good work.The contributions to world history by ""Jangbaris"" will never be forgotten !" | |
| March 28th 2005 | |
| yolanda dos remedios | UK & Dubai |
| thoroughly enjoyed reading your diary and informative history and photos | |
| March 28th 2005 | |
| ebrahim H.A. M. Jaffer | New York |
| Keep up the goodwork | |
| March 27th 2005 | |
| Harish K Bhatt | Edison, USA |
| Your web page brought up lot of memories. I used to study in Sir EMS (1958-66) and then went to King George/Lumumba (1966-69). My father was Principal in Hindu High School. Your description of EMS brought has brought vivid memories. | |
| March 25th 2005 | |
| Maisam Saleh-hassan | England |
| your webpages are too good... im from zanzibar too and i have been in england since i was 10yrs old.. now im 16... I guess you know my Father Murtaza but people call him bekky... he is son of master baker the headteahcer of a school i think... Well, just came to say nice work.. | |
| March 24th 2005 | |
| Kulsum virji | Toronto |
| Fantastic | |
| March 18th 2005 | |
| gulamabbas m jaffer | lake mary florida |
| February 26th 2005 | |
| Subodh B. Naik | Dallas, Texas |
| "Hi Abdulrazak, I saw your site - brought back tons of sweet memories. I was in Zanzibar & Tanzania in June 2002 loved every minute of it. I came back ""home "" to Zanzibar after 36 years. Left in '64 for the UK & came back in '66 & then 2002 !!! I remember you very well, we were at King George IV School. You look the same except you are not skinny anymore but the face is the same. I remember you in my mind's eye as you looked in '64. If you are ever in this part of the world we would be honored to have & your family over. I met people who fondly rememberd my father ( an Arab gentleman, of all the places in Bawju ) and one in Ngorongoro Serena Hotel who even rememberd me . I definately plan to be back hopefully this June or July. I took hundreds of photos - I plan to publish a photogaphic coffee table book soon. I also want to set up some clinics in Zanzibar in my father's memory. There was not a single day when my parents did not talk about Zanzibar - they truly loved it & missed it dearly.He always said that Zanzibar was haven on earth and that he was lucky enough to have lived there.He passed away on Feb 9,1984 - 21 years ago.My mother in 2000 I keep in touch with Babu Gajaria ( he was in our class as well ) and several Zanzibaris here in Texas. You have done a marvellous job and thanks to you, lots of names, people and places are reminiscenced once again. I have not finised reading it all but believe you me I shall do so in a day or two. Thanks once again and please reply ASAP. With warmest regards, Subodh B. Naik" | |
| February 20th 2005 | |
| jaffer abdulhussein(taki teacher) | sanford- florida USA. |
| left Zbar in 69 and migrated to States in 76. | |
| January 31st 2005 | |
| Mohsin Allarakhia | Hong Kong |
| As a Khoja Shia from Dar, whose grandparents originally came from Bhuj via Zanzibar, I found your website fascinating, and your description of life in Zanzibar prior to 1964 is so well-written that it evoked a feeling of nostalgia in me, even though I was born in Dar, and never lived in Zanzibar! In a way, I can relate to what you write: I went back to Dar in 2004, after an absence of 16 years, and it seemed completely different from what I remembered. I guess you never leave the place you grow up in, it just remains within your heart. I will be visiting your website often. Best regards, and keep up the good work. | |
| December 26th 2004 | |
| AMIR ESAACK SUMRA | TANZANIA |
| JUST SURFED IN AM LOOKING FOR OLD CLASS MATES EX POPOATLAL SECONDARY SCHOOL IN TANAGA TANZANIA 1967 TO 1970 | |
| December 4th 2004 | |
| Abdul Noorali Mohamed | Austin, Texas. USA |
| I was browsing through those memorable photographs of Zanzibar. It brouoght back to me the sweet dreams of the spice island. I was born in Zanzibar and lived in Sokomohogo street with my three uncles, Husein, Mohamedali, and Jafferali Ismail Poonja. I have just one wish in my life that I be buried in Zanzibar despite the fact that after the revolution the upheavles created therefrom were very tragic indeed. The tenacious memory of Zanzibar can neveer be dimmed in my life for I have lived there in a very cosmopolitan society with Arabs, Comorians, Ithnasheries, Goans, etc. as friends. Sheni Lakha, Baker Tejani, Mohamedhusein Khokoni, his brother Raza, Juma Mugheiry, who was once the clerk of the National Assembly, and a host of other friends and acquaitances. I used to work for the Standard Bank of South Africa limited after my schooling. I used to also watch cricket matches especially between Agakhan and Ithnashries teams. We would sit tight to watch Sherali Ndege with his sixers and Gullu Kalyan batting to hit centuries. Gullu Kabana was one of the best bowlers! The memories of Zanzibar will never be obliterated from my mind. I hope you will keep up the spirit of reviving the glory of Zanzibar during the 30s onwards. I wish you all the best. Abdul | |
| December 1st 2004 | |
| yasmin gaidhar | Calgary, Alberta |
| Very happy to see the pictures. Old memories | |
| December 1st 2004 | |
| Riyadh | Dubai |
| Its a good site but it would be nice If you researched more and added comments about Haji GulamHussein Daud(Babu Gula) the great Chef of the Island in Zanzibar as well as the shiites withouth him no good food left the kitchen.Maalim Ghanim who converted many Indian/Banyanis to Shiiaism and Abdulrasool Alarakhia Dewjee(Ongeza mbawa iruke) The man financial power behind the Hizbu party who fougt bravely till death. | |
| November 15th 2004 | |
| Mussadiq R> master | Birmingham |
| November 10th 2004 | |
| Vetrivel.K | India |
| Very nice and appreciated. | |
| November 4th 2004 | |
| Kadadi Anil | Gulbarga, Karnataka/India. |
| I've visited your website. I'm an Indian expatriate based in Daressalaam. It's my wish to visit Zanzibar once in my life time. I've seen the photographs but could not make much of it. May God bless you. | |
| November 4th 2004 | |
| Jasvant Mehta | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| What a thrill to go thru your site, so well written with a professional touch. Thank you for nostalgia of Zanzibar. Time to put these memories in a book. Please keep me informed and keep up the good work. With kind regards to your family, regards to Hussein and family. | |
| October 23rd 2004 | |
| Wael Abbas | Manama, Bahrain |
| I've visited your site today and I was really surprised how rich and informative it was, but this is not really what made me surprised. What I really liked about your site is that I finally found somebody from Zanzibar whom I can ask about the Bahraini community there. Here in Bahrain we hear that there have been some Bahrainis who have migrated to different countries all over the world just after the fall of their kingdom in the hands of the Bedouin, but we don't know anything about those comunities and I would be very thankful if you can provide me with any information you have about the Zanzibaris of Bahraini origin (their population, cities where they live, institutions and history). Waiting for your reply. Many thanks and best regards. Wael Abbas | |
| October 8th 2004 | |
| hassanali gulamali | atlanta |
| job well done. keep it up. although i was not born in zanzibar my parents were. god bless | |
| September 30th 2004 | |
| badriya hirji | east london |
| Excelent work the site reminds me everything about zanzibar. Keep it up im in uk to visit my family but im impressed to see many people around the world talking about zanzibar. I live in zanzibar. anyone wanna ask anything please feel free to ask. Khuda hafiz | |
| September 11th 2004 | |
| Zahir Bhalloo | Mombasa/Kenya: Mcgill, Montreal/Canada |
I am back in Mombasa for my summer holidays, and continue to pursue my researches into our colourful Khoja history. Some time ago I decided to write a small family history. I wonder if you might be able to recall anything from your days in zanzibar? My ancestor Bhaloo Walji came from Jamkhambalia outside Jamnagar and he married Nurbai Sheriff Dewani (sister to Mohammed Sheriff Dewani). He had four sons Rashid, Jessa, Kassam and Kermali. Rashid and Kassam converted to Ithnasherism. While Jessa and Kermali remained Ismaili. Kermali Bhaloo's descendants through his son Mohammed who converted to Ithnasherism are known by nick name 'KABANA'. I know that Jessa Bhaloo was an extremely prominent Ismaili in Zanzibar with the rank of Alijah. He opened a maternity home in the 1920's at Mkunazini opposite the cathedral church. Somebody even told me that the lane where the maternity home and jessa bhaloo's residence were located was called 'bhaloo street'? I have no idea if this is true, probably not. I know for a fact that in 1874 and earlier perhaps Bhaloo Walji had two shops in Stone town (there is an 1894 court case where the evidnence of possession of the two shops for 'twenty years and more' is presented by the sons) Bhaloo walji began by selling coconuts and copra then went into Ivory trade. His sons Jessa and Kassam were piece cloth merchants. My ancestor Kassam died at a very young age around 1903 in Najaf and is buried there. I am having alot of problems because of one key issue. Were the 4 brothers born in Zanzibar or in India? If they were born in India which I believe most reasonable then they must have came either with their father Bhaloo Walji or individually to Zanzibar. In 1880 Kermali Bhaloo had a divorce with his wife Rambai, again in a court case. This 1880 date makes it impossible for the brothers to have been born in Zanzibar. Since it would mean keramli bhaloo would have been only 10 years old or younger (assuming Bhaloo walji came in 1870 and had his sons in zanzibar) If you can shed any light, or know of someone I might contact please let me know. | |
| August 25th 2004 | |
| niklas | denmark |
| a salaam alekium ara you a ibadi muslim? can you help me whit info about ibadi islam?,,,,,allah hafiz | |
| August 23rd 2004 | |
| PENRAD, Jean-Claude | Paris / France |
| As a social anthropologist working in East Africa and as a simple human being having friends in Zanzibar, I appreciate very much historical documentation and iconography you have gathered on ithna'asheri people. many thanks. J.-C. P. | |
| August 12th 2004 | |
| naaz | uk |
| Myself, I am originally from Da'Salama - but we all have ties with Jangbar! My Sis was married to one of the Mussa Virji's and had to flee from Z'bar with her family during the revolution. Prior to that from my visits, I have fond memories of Z'bar and can relate to all you mention in your article Haven't yet looked at the site except the article which was sent to me by a relative. Will surely make time to have a look and pass more comments. Hafize Khuda | |
| August 8th 2004 | |
| Fayeza Suleiman (Shambara family) | Portsmouth, UK located to Stockholm, Sw |
| My parents grew up in Zanzibar nad always talked about how amazing it was. They speak swahili at home and fortunately I have picked it up. I have had the opportunity to visit Zanzibar with my parents but your website has really given me an insight to how it really was all those years ago.....thank you | |
| August 1st 2004 | |
| Amirali Hassanali Chandoo | Lancaster UK |
| Assalamun alaikum Abdulrazak I am sure you will remember me as our age is similar. Iwas worried to read your profile as it resemles mine ie timid shy etc. The difference is you have done this momentous task. May all the departed souls rest in peace-teachers. friends, relatives, etc. Best wishes. Amirali | |
| July 25th 2004 | |
| Murtaza Ibrahim Ali Jivraj | London |
| It is a brilliant website. When I read the profiles and saw the pictures of the Past cricketers It almost made me cry. All the past cricketers made me a great player and I owe to them what I am today. | |
| July 23rd 2004 | |
| AKBER HAMEER | DAR ES SALAAM TANZANIA |
| SUBHANALLAH ABDULRAZAK!!! MAY ALLAH SWT REWARD YOU AMPLY FOR BRINGING FOND MEMORIES ON-LINE TO VERY SENTIMENTAL JANGBARIAS WHO ARE SPREAD ALL OVER THE WORLD. ISSA PEERA- YOU ARE TRULY INSPIRING.MAY ALLAH ACCEPT YOUR PRAYERS OF SPENDING YOUR RETIREMENT LIFE IN ZANZIBAR AT UROWA BEACH. AAMEEN | |
| July 20th 2004 | |
| zakia thaver | scarborough, ont canada |
| July 19th 2004 | |
| Nargis Alidina | Toronto,Ontario Canada |
| Cannot express the excitment as I read through the guest list. I went to St Joseph's Convent School. All my siblings also went there. You may remember Mustafa ALidina, Gulzar, Fatma, Rubab, Hamida Alidina. We sisters, all, go by our married names now. The SJCS reunion will be in Toronto between Jun 26-July 3/2005. I hope to attend and meet some classmates. | |
| July 16th 2004 | |
| Carol Dias | SanAntonio,Texas. |
| "What a memoir! I felt like I was reliving the good old times again.I am from Zanzibar and lived in Michangani where my father had a bakery. My mom was a teacher and headmistress of the Agakhan School and also the Bohora School. Her name was Gladys Dias and my dad was Alban Dias. My mom was killed during the revolution and I too was shot in my arm. Anyhow, enjoy the""present"" as it is a gift from God." | |
| July 11th 2004 | |
| Praful Mehta | Telford,UK |
| Hi Abdul how r u. I hope u r well. Thanks for remembering me in your website. I am well in Telford, U.k. My email address is prafulsmehta@yahoo.co.uk.Please contact me. | |
| June 3rd 2004 | |
| Khamis (Akber Mshambara) | Portsmouth, England |
| site brings happy memories of Z'bar. | |
| June 3rd 2004 | |
| Jenny Ramcharran | New York, USA. |
| "My name is Jenny. I am engaged to Shiraz Sumar's son, Jaheel Sumar. I live one floor under the Sumars in our building here in Elmhurst, New York. I've been researching Shiraz Sumar's career online in pursuant to a Father's Day project I'm currently working on for him. I stumbled upon your writings of Shiraz Sumar. I must say, of all of the stories I've heard describing Dad's Cricketing career in East Africa, the article you wrote in 1984, entitled ""Good-bye Sumar,"" touched my heart the most. I've always been proud of Dad's accomplishments and have been quick to brag to my friends and family of his career. When I read your article, I felt like I was in Tanzania in 1984, feeling the pain of Dad's departure from cricket. That's how much your article moved me. Your article has helped me understand and appreciate Dad's accomplishments on a much higher level. For that, I thank you. You'll be most happy to know that Shiraz Sumar and his ""charming and inspirational wife Yasmin,"" (if I may quote you) are doing very well here in the States. They have a son, as you know, Jaheel Sumar. Jaheel is a highly intelligent young man with a heart of gold. He is very devoted to his family. He's also inherited his dad's athletic skills. He's an excellent Basketball player, although he plays rather casually. I am proud and honored, and consider myself very lucky, to have fallen in love with Jaheel. Shiraz and Yasmin have been more than wonderful to me. I could not have dreamed of having better parents-in-laws. Mr. Fazal, I was hoping you could help me with this project that I am putting together for Shiraz for Father's day. I am trying to gather as much information, pictures, articles, and comments having to do with Shiraz Sumar's career in East Africa. I was wondering if you would be able to direct me to any websites or newspaper articles that would contain highlights of his career. Do you perhaps have any pictures that you can e-mail to me? Anything that you could offer would be most appreciated. I would like to thank you, again, for your moving article on my father-in-law. " | |
| May 28th 2004 | |
| RIZWAN SHIVJI | DAR ES SALAAM/TANZANIA |
| A VERY IMPRESSIVE HISTORY ON ZANZIBAR.I AM SURE THOSE FROM THE OLDEN DAYS READING THIS WEBSITE WILL HAVE TEARS RUNNING DOWN. PROFILE: DURING MY CHILDHOOD,I VIVIDLY REMEMBER A USC CRICKETER SIKANDER FAZAL.IT WAS JOY WATCHING HIM PLAY.I HOPE IN FUTURE YOU WILL ADD HIS PROFILE TOO. | |
| May 25th 2004 | |
| Sultan Kermally( S.B. Ali) | |
| Happy days. I loved your website. Thanks for the memories. I left Zanzibar in 1959. Any school mates from Aga Khan school wanting a contact I would be delighted. Sultan | |
| May 17th 2004 | |
| Fatima Vellani | Vancouver, Canada |
| "Hi Abdulrazak! What a delight it was to read your artical on zanzibar! I remember my childhood with great fondness, I wish to God life would change and get better for the African people, they were such kind, hard working people, and my! what a beautiful island it was. My sister Feeza Jessa was the first ladies hair dresser there, the African people would say ""Kinyozi."" My father was an Imigration Officer at the Bethlajeb Building, and then opened his own business. We left Zanzibar for Nairobi after the revolution in 1964, and have lived in Vancouver, Canada for about 30 years, and we love it here. " | |
| May 1st 2004 | |
| Abdulrauf O Kassam | Kent, UK |
| Very nostalgic - You took me back to Mailndi once again. I suppose I am the first Memon in your guest book but who cares we are all Jangbaris. My dad had a shop at Changa Bazaar - Ramju's Stores and my Uncles own Haji Abdullah & Sons shops at Darajani that were looted completely. One my Uncle - Ahmed Haji Abdulla was killed at Ziwani Police Station. Through your guest book, I traced my teacher at Hindu Union and a classmate! Well done for your excellent site and may Allah bless you all. Abdulrauf PS See you at Calgary reunion? | |
| April 15th 2004 | |
| Murtaza MohamedRaza Tharoo | Tanga/Dar Es Salaam / Vancouver - Canada |
| Salaams Mashaallah This is just awesome. As I write this my eyes are full of tears.... reminding me of back home .. of the old times.. Mashaallah I pray Allah give you the Tawfiq to maintain this as well as add more Information. I am a lover of archives and history, Thus this is just very touching. Jazakallah | |
| April 13th 2004 | |
| akbar and rashida murji | somerset nj |
| We accidently came across the article on Zanzibar while surfing for shia marshias.Having been born in Dar es salaam and similar background as my grand uncle having first settled in Zanzibar, we read the narrative at a breath. We both felt we were in the old Zanzibar streets of peace and plentitude. Salaams. | |
| April 3rd 2004 | |
| Aziz Virani (Mangu) | Mwanza/Tanga/Vancouver |
| Isn't it just wonderful to share the memories and be able to bring all Jungbaris together through your guest book.How about adding more stories to the site. Thank You. Aziz | |
| March 14th 2004 | |
| Aziz Nathoo | Philadelphia, PA USA |
| Truly awesome - thanks a million. Mapicha na habari za Unguja ya zamani imeniletea machozi machoni mwangu. Asante sana, ndugu yangu. Tutakutana karibuni, mungu akijalia. | |
| March 1st 2004 | |
| Satyen Sanghavi | Chicago, U.S.A |
| My name is Satyen Sanghavi and I am writing from Chicago (USA) I was just surfing the internet for Zanzibari mix recipe and I got your web site. The article was very interesting to read. I had been to Dar and Zanzibar on a tour. I was quite fascinated with winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques of Zanzibar and colourful Kariakoo Market, Mt Kilimanjaro National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park,etc in the mainland. I also remember having lots of coconut water, jugus, kawa, mangoes, zanibari fruits and most of all the zanzibari mix. I was wondering if you can provide me the recipe of Zanzibari mix and the bhajias and pili pili chutney you serve along with it. Appreciate your help. | |
| February 6th 2004 | |
| Sadru Haji | Scarborough. Ont.. Canada |
| Brought my memories back. Thanks. | |
| January 31st 2004 | |
| Diamond Adatia | Houston USA |
| IT IS MY MORNING QUICK VIEW AND I LIKE IT ,KEEP UP GOOD JOB | |
| January 25th 2004 | |
| Mumtaz Dhanji (Kassamali Moloo) | Vancouver, Canada |
| Got your website through Morningchai Newsletter. Born in Zanzibar, brought fond memories. Thanks | |
| January 19th 2004 | |
| Shabbar Gulamabbas Datoo | San jose, Costa Rica, Central America |
| First and foremost i must say you have done a great job in keeping the history alive. My parents grew up in Zanzibar and were famous for making bread, kharabiscuits and toasts. In bringing up this site, you have brought a lot of joy and tears of memory to the people who lived in Zanzibar in those days. I still have some of my family members living in Zanzibar. Last but not least may Almighty Allah bless you in all your endeavours. | |
| January 13th 2004 | |
| TALI (Hidayat) SAJOO.....(a.k.a Bawa) | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Site brings happy childhood memories. Keep up the good work! | |
| January 5th 2004 | |
| Murtaza Mohammed | Zanzibar |
| Exccelent. | |
| January 4th 2004 | |
| Abbas Hussein Dharamsi Gangji | |
| reading chapter one brought back memories. I guess one can not turn the clock back, but I long for the kind of life we led in Zanzibar. Last time I was on the Island was in May l964 when I visited my parents for a week before they left the Island for good. Thanks for the memories, Abbas | |
| January 3rd 2004 | |
| Shiraz Hameer (Ngozi) | Toronto |
| Nimeona na nimefurahi sana ! | |
| December 31st 2003 | |
| PYARALI K. DEVJI (P.K.D.) | BURNABY, B.C.. CANADA |
| It reminds me of my past of Zanzibar life: lovely pictures of our beautiful island. Asante Sana Kwaheri tuta onana Inshallah | |
| December 30th 2003 | |
| zahir karim | Canada |
| My mom is from Jangbar and I was raised in Dar (1960-1972). It was great to read about the glory days of Tanzanian cricket. I remember vividly the glory of Bhamji, Tapu and Pranlal, Gova etc. Though I never saw Sumar and Alnasir Hasham play in Dar, I had the pleasure of playing with them in Canada. | |
| December 30th 2003 | |
| Karim Moosa | Toronto, Canada |
| From dar-es-saalam, however quite enjoyed going through your contents. Great job.. | |
| December 30th 2003 | |
| AL-Karim kassam son of rosy-cut | Vancouver B.C.Canada |
| There is Zanzibar reunion in Calgary Canada In August 2004 | |
| December 27th 2003 | |
| SAYYED MUSAWI | QOM IRAN |
| PRESENTING FREE HOLY QURAN & ISLAMIC BOOKS IN ALL INT LANGUAGES ESPECIALLY ENGLISH, SWAHILI, ARABIC | |
| December 21st 2003 | |
| Tahera Hasham | Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania |
| Well it did bring back memories. As was born and brought up in Zanzibar. My family still residing there. | |
| December 19th 2003 | |
| rusi keki dalal | london |
| some of us Zanzibaris are meeting for lunch Sunday 14 dec. thinking of the rest who will not be there. Rusi | |
| December 13th 2003 | |
| muzu sulemanji | Dar es Salaam/Tanzania |
| Impressed with the tribute,my father was also a famous cricket player in Dar...G.M.Kassamali SULEMANJI | |
| December 11th 2003 | |
| Hussein Amirali | Arusha Tanzania |
| Hardwork well done.Una kumbuka mengi onapotazama hizi picha.Keep it up. | |
| December 8th 2003 | |
| Sadru Hasham | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Read your article with joy and sadness. Going through your vivid descriptions i'd to pinch myself to make sure i was not back in Zanzibar in that golden era which you have correctly depicted, never to come back. After 40 years, most of us have never been able to emotionally separate from the place called Zanzibar. Regards | |
| December 7th 2003 | |
| Surendra Shah | Pelham, NY, USA |
| What a treat to read your memoir on life in Zanzibar. I am a Jain, born in Nairobi. While I visited Dar, I never made it to Zanzibar. My elder brother who had been there a number of times always expressed such good memories. He was so impressed with lack of crime in Zanzibar(Fifties). Having read your piece has just evoked those memories again. Keep up the good work. Surendra Shah, Pelham, NY | |
| December 1st 2003 | |
| Sajjad Manji | Arusha - Tanzania |
| A very good job done, keep it up. | |
| November 29th 2003 | |
| Muhammed Al Riyamy | Muscat, Oman |
| I have a cousin trying to write a book on Zanzibar. He likes to have those Hizbu meetings if you can get them any where.. | |
| November 28th 2003 | |
| Irma Khoja | New York, USA |
| I was actually trying to find some figures of the Khoja Istha Ashri population worldwide...by any chance do you have a rough idea? | |
| November 27th 2003 | |
| Ashiq Kermalli | Longwood, Florida, USA |
| With tears in my eayes, I thank you for this wonderful gift I wish I was in Zanzibar and spend my last days on this earth at home and be buried there. Such peace and tranquility I remember while growing up in Zanzibar. So much love and affection. Neither recism nor capitalism. May Allah's Choicest Blessings Be Showered on you and your family. Ashiq Kermalli | |
| November 9th 2003 | |
| Simba Yahya | Daressalaam, Tanzania |
| "Flowery, very flowery indeed! Reading through this article really brings nostalgia of a ""lost"" era...! But it also leaves a lot of the bitter part of life that the author never had a chance to taste: the plight and suffering of the many ""not-so- well-to-do"" Zanzibaris, most of whom never had a chance to live in a better abode than a thatched-roofed (makuti) hut! One reads on an on about nasab, the Sharrifs, the Damji's, the Sultans, the Khojas, the Goans etc, etc, etc! Are we not saying here that these were the ones who mattered then? And the schools, best schools of the day in the whole of East Africa, what access to whom? Painting a murky picture of the Revolution in 1964 just adds to the questionable intentions of the article. Is it simply good reading on Zanzibar's past or else? Of ""Duty Free"" zone: for goods to where? Assuredly, the many liners carried cargo not meant for the small ""affording"" Zanzibari population! Let's be truthful. Someone was missing the rightful duties from whatever mechandise temporarily held at Zanzibar. As I pointed out, there is much left unsaid in the article which I believe, would make interesting reading if told with sincerity. HISTORY IS SIMPLY THE BEST JUDGE OF EVENTS PAST: PROBLEM HOWEVER IS, WHAT INTERPRETATION OF THAT HISTORY? I COULDN'T HELP BEING QUIZZICAL ON THIS ONE!" | |
| November 9th 2003 | |
| Mr. Mohamed Mitha | London, United Kingdom |
| Well, I have just received this link and to add comments at this time will not be fair. INshahllah, on my next visit, I will try and make some comments about this site. | |
| November 8th 2003 | |
| vinaykant desai | chino hills, ca, 91709-usa |
| enjoyes looking old memories. nice job and well done. thanks. | |
| November 6th 2003 | |
| Ashraf Sajoo | Toronto Canada |
| Good old memories | |
| November 5th 2003 | |
| Ali Amir | Richmond Hill Ontario |
| A very interesting site and it brought memories for me to see my uncle Noorali Jessa and also Mohamed Mashumu my cousin.I was born in Kiponda and my father Amiralibhi had a business in the name of Alli & Abdulrasul selling Bunduki. | |
| November 2nd 2003 | |
| Fatma Jafferali Dhalla Kassam (Lalji) | Toronto,Canada |
| I am a zanzibari and lived next toIsmaili J.K.and studied at St.Joseph convent school.I would like to get in touch with my classmates. You have done an excellent job for Z'baris. | |
| November 1st 2003 | |
| Abbas Murad Kermalli, MD, MSc | Ankara TURKEY |
| Dear Abdulrazak, I am Murad MD Kermalli's son,though I was born in DAR I always consider myself as a Jangbari. It was excellent to go through your site, what I have seen is new but this is history that I heard from Yusufali Gulamali Dharsee ( Sal sabil's son) my maternal grandfather. Believe me, my wife is Turkish, but she loves Zanzibar as if she had been there and lived there before. Well,do keep up with your good job. Regards | |
| October 31st 2003 | |
| Bashir A Kermaly (Blaza) | Aarhus, Denmark |
| I was very fascinated by your site. Although I live in Denmark, I have close ties with Tanzania and I would like to meet you the next time I am in Tanzania. You have done absolutely marvellous job with your site. May God bless you in all your endeavours. | |
| October 30th 2003 | |
| Jaffer R. Hameer | Dar es Salaam/TANZANIA |
| Great work Brings a lot memories | |
| October 6th 2003 | |
| Tina | u.s.a |
| very good abdulrazak's. may allah bless you so much for writting all that on your website and showing those stone town pictures. | |
| October 2nd 2003 | |
| Dr Ramesh Laljibhai Mehta | Leicester UK |
| Lovely memories resurfaced | |
| September 22nd 2003 | |
| shabbir karimjee walijee | tanzania |
| thanks for keeping our country's memory | |
| September 16th 2003 | |
| Mohamed Machungwa | Toronto/Canada |
| Our dearest brother You have done wonders - mioyo yetu na fikra zote zipo nyumbani | |
| September 15th 2003 | |
| Murtaza Mustafa Gulamhussein Haji Karim | New York, USA |
| Salaams. I was reading through the Nai Misid compilations that u have so carefully gathered. It brought lots of memories of stories that my father told me. He is the most avid recollector in the family, and i hope to carry the legacy to my children. After all, i m Haji Karim Allarakhia's great grandson. It was interesting to read through the history, how influential the people were. Apparently i am also blessed with the genes of Mohamedali Rehmtulla Merali, who built the magnificent Nai Misid Mnara. My grandfather married his daughter. May Allah bless them all in eternal piece. Both sides had played signifant roles in maintaining the mosque. I smiled when i read that Haji Karim, at the age of 80, outran even the youths of that time. I believe thats where he got the name Karim Kidege. I have sent the page to my family. They will probably have more visual recollections than i have. I just have the power of my imagination to see what exactly went on in those days. Thank you for taking the pain to do this. You probably brought a lot of joy and tears of memory to the people who lived in Zanzibar in those days. Khudahafiz Murtaza M. Karim. | |
| September 12th 2003 | |
| lulu | u.k |
| your website if fantastic........good job abdulrazak... one of my best friend who lived in u.s.a new york called Tina she refered your website to me...she told me i must see it by any mean and iam so glad that you have such a wonderful website.......it reminds us alot about home.......May allah bless you so much.. | |
| September 6th 2003 | |
| Salim Al-Rawahi | Muscat/Oman |
| It is a masterpiece and a well-done work! Congratulations! I'm confident that your website will take special place in helping the revival of the highly and deliberately distorted history of Zanzibar. I personally appreciate and respect your effort and talent in recalling, compiling and presenting all those events taking place at the time prior to the regressive revolution and its aftermath. May Allah always guide and guard you in your words and action to help you achieve the highest level of success in your writing career. In fact, I was not fortunate enough to be around during the good times of those beautiful days that you gentlemen had experienced as I was born after the revolution(DOB:12/9/64). Your writing has immensely helped me in comparing notes with the daily drilled heresay from our elder Zanzibari brothers and sisters, and was happy enough to note that their sentimentalism is genuine and sincere. Make sure that whenever you happen to drop by in Oman on your trips to any other point of the globe, you give us a call(My # is +968-9341602gsm.) and I would like to meet and chat with you, and perhaps show you around if time permits. You are always welcome here. Sawa mheshimiwa? And keep up with the good work! | |
| September 4th 2003 | |
| Allan Svensson | Sweden |
| Hi, I found your Web Site by surfing on the Internet, and I wish you the best you can get, the peace of God through Jesus Christ. Welcome to visit my Site. | |
| September 4th 2003 | |
| zubeir yusuf sameja | Atlanta,USA |
| Great work,My grand father was a civil servant working at beit al jaeb his name was Mohamed Osman Sameja living at kajijicheni next to vaju bhai grocery shop . | |
| August 31st 2003 | |
| chifu | New York, USA |
| Great article. I posted it at the Swahili group which has over 300 members. I am hoping you and others can join us there at http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/kiswahili and network with the Swahili community. Chifu Group Moderator | |
| August 26th 2003 | |
| Muzaffar A mohamedbhai | dar es salaam Tanzania |
| August 24th 2003 | |
| Bhadra Vadgama | London, UK |
| Abdulrazak, another anecdotal narrative:- I was with my cousin Arvind Vallabhdas Mulji yesterday and we were talking about how well we were taught English, especially the grammar in schools in Zanzibar. In his case, he said, it wasn't always the white English teachers who taught him English grammar but the Indian and African and Arab teachers. Giving an example of how particular teachers were about their written English, he talked about Abud Jumbe. Once Mr Jumbe had written notes on a blackboard in a biology lesson for the boys to copy. While the boys were doing their work, Mr Jumbe was reading his own notes and suddenly called out, 'Stop! Tear that page out of your exercise book.' When asked why, he said he had used the same word twice in one sentence and although the boys suggested cancelling that word and replacing it with another, his reply was, 'I will never have anybody see that I had made such an error in my work.' That was the kind of commitment OUR own teachers had. Another thing Arvind explained was the subtle difference between Zanzibar and the mainland Tanzania : 'When someone visits an office in Dar, the person would be straight away bombarded with the question, 'Weve unataka nini?', whereas in Zanzibar he would be greeted by 'Karibu' first and then asked the question.' My first encounter with racism and awareness of my citizenship. As I had said to you earlier, I had attended the World Centenary Girl Guides Camp held in Windsor Park in England 1957. Initially, I was chosen to be presented to the Queen. I was even taken for the rehearsal and taught how to curtesy and so on. However, later in the day a very worried looking Guider came to me and said, 'I am extremely sorry, but we have just received a telegram from Zanzibar and they have asked us to replace you by Saada Khamis [an Arab Guide who was the other Guide from Z'bar] to be presented to the Queen.' The Guider thought I would burst into tears, but I was not much upset by missing the opportunity. I suppose I was too young to realise the implication. Also, perhaps I wasn't bothered, as in Zanzibar I had the opportunity of seeing at close range many celebrities like, Rita Hayworth & Prince Alikhan, Dr S. Radhakrishnan, Princess Margaret, etc. at Garden Parties held in the British Residency grounds where we served food to the guests in our Girl Guide uniform. Also I became aware for the first time, that although I had gone to the camp as a Zanzibari, ,I had chosen to wear chania-choli & odhani as my national dress. I taught other Guides a song in Gujarati & not in Swahili. I was a Zanzibari BUT culturally an Indian. At the Camp, nobody wanted to know me as an Indian, as there were about 30 Girl Guides from India [and I didn't belong to them] who performed Indian dances in the evening as part of our entertainment. Saada and I, as Zanzibaris, had not prepared anyhing in particular to represent our island's identity. So here I was a young 16 year old with no awareness of the implications of my citizenship or identity. I realised all this much later in my life. On arrival back to Zanzibar, a reporter had asked me if I had seen the Queen, and my reply was, 'Yes, I saw her clearly as being short, I was in the front row.' I didn't even think of telling him about the last minute swap. | |
| August 23rd 2003 | |
| othman ali abbas | uk |
| i have nothing 2 say but u done a nice job . napenda kukupongeza sana kwa kazi nzuri ya kuvutia ahsante kwa kutukumbusha ama kutuonesha tuliokua hatukuyawahi kuyaona katika pic zako za kale. | |
| August 21st 2003 | |
| Benn Haidari | Finland |
| Fascinating | |
| August 21st 2003 | |
| hasnain r alloo | new york. usa |
| it reminded me of my dad who use to make me listen to the history of zanzibar and of ithnashery back in 1986 | |
| August 20th 2003 | |
| Hashim Saleh | Dubai |
| Salaam The last time I visited your website was 2 years ago, I just got the link from Dr. Amur so I thought I should visit again to see new things, well I must admit you did a great job. Keep on good work. Hashim | |
| August 20th 2003 | |
| amur abdullah amur | zanzibar |
| please let me know about mwangaza | |
| August 18th 2003 | |
| YUSUF ABDULLAH YUSUF | DUBAI----UAE |
| DAER I SO GLAD OF YOUR WORK WHICH MOVE ME TO CRY THINKING OF MY LATE FATHER MY ALLAH REST HIM IN PEACE BECOUSE THAT WAS HIS TIME BEFORE THE BLOOD REVOLUTION WHICH HE WAS KILLED THANKS | |
| August 17th 2003 | |
| Kamrudin Rashid | Toronto, Canada |
| "A superb website about Zanzibar that I have surfed so far. I was born in Zanzibar and lived in Zanzibar and Pemba. Was working for the Administrator General's office in Mambomsige and then in Wete, Pemba with the ""Wakf"" and ""Public Trustee"" Departments. Have lost touch with very many friends and perople I used to work with. However, today found the e-mail of Issa Peera (who I am sure is the same Issa G. Peera, a lawyer by profession and who was the Assistant Administrator General for the Island of Pemba. I also worked with the Karmali brothers Ebrahim and Yusuf and I believe I have found Yusuf's e-mail address on your website as well. I was also lucky to find the e-mail of one of my other very old friend. In fact I visited both Zanzibar and Pemba for a week in the month of June 2002 and it was indeed my most enjoyable visit ever to these places after 38 years of absence. You deserve commendation and gratitude of each and every 'Jangbari' for such a superb site. Our very best wishes, Salaams and Dua for your continued service to the 'Jangabris'. Yours sincerely, Kamrudin Rashid" | |
| August 16th 2003 | |
| Saleh A. Al-Kindi | Muscat-Oman |
| Well done. You have brought back my memories of the old place especially M.D Kermali where I use spend most my of time playing Gololi (marbles) I wish you will preserve these photographs and more. Keep it up and THank you. | |
| August 16th 2003 | |
| Bhadra Vadgama | London, UK |
| Further to my earlier posting i'm presenting a couple of anecdotes:- In 1999 August, my sister Kanak from Mumbai, my younger daughter Jaanki & I went to Zanzibar. We went to visit the Palace Museum. I had never been inside the palace before, so for me it was quite an experience. I was delighted to see royal portraits painted by our art teacher Maalim Farhan. We had a teenage boy as our guide and some Australian tourists in the group. The poor lad had probably learnt by heart what he was supposed to tell us. He found himself taken over by Kanak, who talked about the first ever lift in Beit-el-Ajayab and how as young children we used to go up and down in it just for fun., and what the word meant and that it was a palace before etc. etc. She described what it was like when Seyyid Khalifa had died and how she had come to pay her respect to the dead Sultan and express her condolences to Bibi Nunu. We saw the special room of the Princess [Seyyid Barghash's sister] who had eloped with a German officer. I came to know about her when I had visited the museum in Muscat. Had not known anything about her in Zanzibar. At one point the poor Guide, frustrated by our interruption, stopped us and said, 'Please let me talk about it.' The Australians were of course delighted to hear all our anectodes. They told us we had made history alive for them. Talking about Bibi Nunu, I remember when I was 8 or so(1948) I had been chosen to present a bouquet to Bibi Nunu for an occsion(I can't remember what it was)that was held in the assembly hall of Government Boys Secondary School. I can't remember if I was chosen because I was clever in studies or because my dad was the Chairman of the Board of Governors of Shree Hindu Girls' School. I had a pretty dress on and had tied a mala of Jasmine flowers as a hairband. I wonder if there will be a photo somewhere in the archives of Zanzibar library! This one is interesting as well. I was chosen as the best girl guide from 7th Zanzibar Company. We were from the Hindu Girls School. So suddenly I was prepared to take all sorts of tests so I could have lot more badges on my sleeve. To be chosen I had to compete with the Guides from other Zanzibar Comapnies and attend a camp with Guides and Guiders from Dar. I went for home maker's badge: the examiner was Arnvaz Bahen, wife of the HM of ESM. She asked me how I would dry a sweater. I thought, 'Why was she asking me such a stupid question?' I replied, 'On a clothes line.' She put me right by saying, 'Woollen garments are always dried flat on a towel and you have to pull the garment to shape first.' How was I to know? I never possessed a sweater. Needless to say she passed me. | |
| August 15th 2003 | |
| Abdullatif Suleiman | Canada |
| Thank you brother Abdulrazak. Great job. You have this website since December 2000? In 2003, I can only say that I am happy I was able to read about many people on your website that I know or have heard about. I am sure you have enabled people to get in touch with each other after so many years because of the entries in your Guestbook. I know it has helped me! I was in ESM also and was in fact in your Brother Master Sheriff's class in Std 3 in 1953. My father, Mzee Essaki, had a bicycle shop near Majestic Cinema, beside the Jaffer Alloo Family House. | |
| August 7th 2003 | |
| Jamal Abdul Wakil Jeffers | Sultanate of Oman |
| What a pleasure it was to see your Zanzibar album. I especially enjoyed the historical photographs. Thank you for sharing. | |
| July 26th 2003 | |
| Richard omar | houston,texas |
| I left mombasa in 1976,have relatives in dar,i'm an event promoter now,music & sports,i co-manage entertainers & athletes,i remember visiting zanzibar when i was a lil kid,i can't wait to re- visit,have major plans,to give something back to the communities of east africa,thru special events & education.the name zanzibar,is such a classic in itself.in the west they're so many businesses name after it,i'm so proud of zanzibar. | |
| July 9th 2003 | |
| Asgar Waliji | Atlanta/United States |
| Thanks a million for your memoire, a splendid recreation of old life in Zanzibar. I was moved to tears of joy and sadness that brought back old memories. Although i grew up in DaresSalaam, I visited Zanzibar many times during school vactions to be with my relatives there. Wonderful, evocative memoire. Thanks a million, again. | |
| June 29th 2003 | |
| Ruksana Thaver (Moh'd masi's daughter) | London, UK |
| Fantastic collection both your articles and the added info from the guests signing in. I would love to add my little snipet and our family's part in the history of Jungbar. I was born 1954 and went St Joseph convent school. My grand father Abdulla Thaver introduced the first cinemas in Zanzibar. He was better known by his nickname Masi. He built Empire and Sultana Cinemas and perhaps even Majestic which after a fire he sold to Badru Gozi who rebuilt it. Masi was an amazing man. He had the rare quality of a very good businessman with a big, big heart....and we only found that out at his funeral in 1966. I was 12 and remember it vividly when countless people came to us with stories of how he helped them. He gave up his job as an accountant started with a 100 Shilling projector, a bedsheet for a screen and an open rooftop where he charged one shilling all round for the movies.....the rest is history, unfortunately not documented systematically. I am truly glad that you have made such an excellent effort in documenting what you know. More importantly I commend you for allowing open input from others to add to it...thank you so much. My Dad Moh'd Masi who is retired in London will be thrilled to go through and recognise all the people there. Although I was 13 when I left I remember the kahawa, abedi's bajia and samosas (my favourite) and especial the crocodile game across two barazas. Its amazing how diverse a population thrived under such small proximity and how individuality was enhanced by the blending. Only in Zanzibar could such rich contrasts live in colourful harmony. If I recall, people were also named by an abreviation of their full names if not by their professions. So we had names like gujadha (gulzar jaffer dhalla) and Shiabha (Shirin Abdulla Bhanji...my late mum who passed away 3 months back) who after marriage became Shimatha. As kids it was so funny to us at the time. It seemed to be the norm to tease and make fun of everybody else including yourself. Fun and laughter is how I remember Zanzibar. I wish I could trace a good friend of mine from Tumekuja school...her name Marina Vase (a goan), she left school in standard 6 or 7 to go study in India. When people made fun of me and my big nose she was always there to defend. Her sister was a teacher there Sabrina Vase. My best memories were of forodhani during ramadhan...the evening fashion parades and the card games on the grass! I was only a child but the sweet memories remain....esp of the mishaki, chana bateta (uniquely made in coconut with keri) and the sugarcane juice with lime and ginger. The sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Zanzibar I will take to my grave. Thank you for creating a virtual home for Jungbaris to refresh our memories. I do have one request....how about getting your guests to include 2 pics of themselves on this website, one today and one when they lived in Zanzibar (could be a family photo too)? best regards to you. Roxy | |
| June 17th 2003 | |
| eddy nassir | london/united kingdom |
| i would like to congratulate you for the best historical collections of zanzibar's views and pictures. | |
| June 7th 2003 | |
| Vinodkumar Premchand Mehta | Muscat- Oman |
| "I was absolutely moved by seeing the rare photos of Zanzibar and the sweet memory it brought.They are just awesome. I wish you continue to give us more photos of this type- e.g. Bohora School, picnic spot like Chwaka, hurumzi or Darajani street.... This will add more memories to what you have already fed. Keep up the good job and we are proud of you. My beloved father, Master Premchand Mehta(Master Kilemba) was a teacher at the Sir Euan Smith Madressa. He was very popular and must have taught a number of those old timers, some of whom may be visiting this website and would like to know more about him. My father, Premchand Mehta, was born in Babra, in Saurashtra in 1898. One Bohora, Jivanji Dayaji Jasaparwalla, inspired him to go for better prospects to East Africa, especially, to Zanzibar. And he decided to migrate to Zanzibar. He came on his first maiden voyage to Zanzibar,in 1928. One of his brother-in-law and his sister already had a shop in Ngambo, with whom he stayed temporarily. At that time, Memon Ali Mohammed Ismail, had also opened a shop in Ngambo, too and they became close friends. But his turning point came when Natha Kansara gave a small room to open a private school in Darajani. At that time approximately 19/23 students (Hindoos, Shia, Memon, Ismaili-khoja and even one bohora) were studying in primary education. Within no time he not only gained his prestige and reputation as a pragmatic teacher but also established his name in the Asian community. In 1932, my beloved mother came to Zanzibar, and joined him in the same profession as a female teacher. Her first teaching assignment was with Aga Khan Girls School, near Aga Khan Jamat Khana, Kiponda. Later she joined the Hindi Sunni Madressa for girls in Mkunazini (near Mbuyu Tree) and later was the headmistress of the said school till her retirement in 1960s. Whe2003-03-12 05:19:53""" | |
| June 3rd 2003 | |
| madhursinh .v.kapadia | Daressalaam |
| "When you meet a Zanzibari you get ""Harufu ya Karafu"" smell of Cloves.I pray to almighty God that he gives all the Joys and Happiness to all the Zanzibaris they can have have for the rest of their life span.AMEN. Good work keep it up." | |
| May 28th 2003 | |
| Arif Peera | San Dimas, California/USA |
| "This site really hits home- a grand slam home run (thanks to Brother Benhashim from Abu Dhabi for reminding me of the site)! I visited Unguja after many, many years back in 1991, and whatever my grandfather said rang absolutely true. After kissing that sacred soil as soon as I got off the ""Sea Express"", I clearly felt both, appreciative as well as ""what's this dude doing?"" glances. It was obvious that anyone who literally had the water of Zanzibar running through his veins like lifeblood itself could appreciate someone else's love for home..this particular home. Seeing these old pictures of the imamwaro, and the pictures of old friends and relatives is like setting foot on the island again. It was also really good reading the highlights of people like Baker Tejani (who I played golf with regularly in the early 90s at Dar Gymkhana), and my uncle Bashir Nasser. Knowing now what I know about these gentlemen, I look at them in a totally different light. If today, as they say, is built on yesterday, then these people are my inspiration. What you are doing, Abdulrazack-bhai, is also a great service to a great community. Constant reminder of our history should inspire our Zanzibari 30-somethings and the younger generations to uphold the great traditions in sports, academia, religion, and community building that the pioneers from Zanzibar began in the yesteryears. Hopefully this site will help inspire us in some way to make our Zanzibari ancestors proud of us. May Allah bless your efforts and give you the strength to continue doing this wonderful job. Arif Peera (Miwani Mdogo II)" | |
| May 27th 2003 | |
| Haydarali Jeraj | Daressalaam/Tanzania. |
| Firstly, congratulations to you for the wonderful job done in creating the 'Recollections'. Secondly I want to bring to your attention that a few months ago I had met an old gentleman who introduced himself to me as GULLU KALYAN and immediately after that I got to read your work. I just wanted to tell you that this great cricketer of Agakhan team of yester years, once considered as one of our finest batsmen, is still alive and has a lot of information regarding the past cricketing era. I wonder if you would like to meet him. He presently stays in Upanga, very opposite the Las Vegas Casino premises. I often see him waiting for a transport to Jamatkhana at around 6.00 pm every day. Your work has inspired me so much that I thought may be you would make some use of this grand old man's experience and add it to your work. | |
| May 20th 2003 | |
| Balaji | Chennai, India |
| It is really enthralling to go through your website. I feel like reading V.S.Naipaul's India when I started reading about sub-continent. Thanks Fazal bhai, for such an artistic work and keep it up. | |
| May 10th 2003 | |
| Thubayta al-Busaidi | Oman |
| "I have enjoyed this ""Freshly Brewed Cup of Nostalgia"" Thanks" | |
| May 7th 2003 | |
| Vinay Pattni | Dallas,TX USA |
| Excellent Recollections. Mimi ni mzalendo. Nime zaliva hapa Unguja na likwana ishi Mchambawima-gorofa ya Popat Mitha. Shukran. | |
| May 3rd 2003 | |
| Yasmin Alibhai-Brown | London-U.K. |
| Dear Abdulrazak, Wonderful wonderful memoirs, thank you. Have you read my book No Place Like Home? Virago Press? Take care. My maiden surname was also Damji. | |
| May 2nd 2003 | |
| Norman Livsey | South australia |
| Hi! I was in charge of the Pathological Laboratory at the Hospital in Zanzibar from Jan.1956 to the end of the revolution in 1964. So nice to have memories of Zanzibar , know many of the people you mention, particularly my friends Aboud Jumbe and Abeid Karume !! I am now in my 80's. In Zanzibar I used to live at first in an old house near the Prison before shifting to the new flats that were built at Vuga, near the old Health Dept. Also after some leave stayed at Mazizini. My haunts were the sailing club and English Club near Cable and Wireless. Karimji Jivanji Club was also one of my haunts as also the Pigalle next to the cinema. I knew Dr. Mehta and Dr. Patel very well as the Path lab was the only diagnostic centre on the island. Unfortunately I cannot find an old map of Zanzibar anywhere, all the places seem to have new names. What a pity! From what I gather people are really struggling now. I am so sorry as it was one of the happiest places I have ever lived. Everyone was happy, no matter what race. I also worked for the colonial office, later worked for the United Nations in Baghdad, Jordan . So lovely to be able to write to someone from Zanzibar Verry best wishes Norman Livsey. | |
| April 26th 2003 | |
| Sajjad Sheriff | U.S.A |
| Nice work on the site. | |
| April 23rd 2003 | |
| Nitesh | uk |
| a lot of work has gone into your web site,the pictures were great! | |
| April 19th 2003 | |
| Prafula Khimdas | Toronto/Canada |
| Reading your narrative on Zanzibar brought back a lot of memories-all those familiar places and names. The pictures of all those famous beaches also brought back memories of great picnic we used to have there. We will never have that type of life again anywhere. You mention that Master Sheriff was your eldest brother, we knew him well through his daughter Fatma. Fatma and my sister Bhanu were very good friends but in the aftermath of revolution we lost touch with each other. If i remember correctly, she left for Pakistan to do medicine. I am sure you know my family. Zanzibar was a small place and we knew each other by face if not by name. I went to Zanzibar in 1994 and i couldn't believe how many elderly people approached me, 'Mtoto wa Kashiram'. Pre-revolution there was a silent respect and understanding for everyone. Politics messed up everything. My younger brother Subhash also studied at Lumumba. He and Babu Bhatia were very good friends. I think they used to play field hockey. My older brother Kanu is in Daressalaam. He works in Kioo Ltd. He used to sit at Babu Panwala's shop in Portuguese Street. We used to live near Zanzibar Hotel. My father was working for Zanzibar Voice. He used to eat lots of pan with tobacco which caused him throat cancer and he passed away in 1969. You may remember me too, i walk with crutches. You have written the history in minute details. When i was reading the article i was lost in Zanzibar, could smell mohogo, karanga etc of Forodhani. | |
| April 18th 2003 | |
| Heike Patz | Germany |
| Hello! I was surfing around today and enjoyed my visit on your website . I wish you Happy Easter! best regards Heike www.Selkirk-Rex-Katzen.de | |
| April 15th 2003 | |
| Helga und Fritz | Nersingen / Germany |
| Hello Mister! I just stopped by to visit your site. I love all of the things that you have created here. You have lots of talent. Thank you for sharing. Many greetings Fritz | |
| April 14th 2003 | |
| MOHAMEDRAZA FAZAL | EDMONTON ALBERTA CANADA |
| April 14th 2003 | |
| Sharifa Dost Al Balushi | MUSCAT, OMAN |
| Very impressed by your pages and you reminded me of my own childhood days in Zanzibar until 1/1/1972 when our family too fled on a dhow to Dar es Salaam. Reading through your pages, I wish we could go back to our childhood and live again those beautiful days. Sometimes I dream of those vichochoros. | |
| April 1st 2003 | |
| Mahesh Chhotubhai Topiwala | London, UK |
| great page, thankyou. Visited zanzibar in July 2002 after 35 years, great place even better than before and would recommend people visit it. | |
| March 31st 2003 | |
| naaz | london |
| March 29th 2003 | |
| Mazhar Punjani | Dubai |
| Excellent article on the history of the community there in Zanzibar. I must congratulate you on your writing -it sure is addictive. I ventured in just to have a look and return to my daily chores. But ended up going through your entire website almost. I could see you did a short stint in Dubai as well at the CBD. Being a banker myself, it was worthwhile to know that CBD was an associate of the CHASE group. Was salaam and regards. | |
| March 28th 2003 | |
| karim | dar-es-Salaam/Tanzania |
| ALthough I was born and brought up in mainland TZ, I have roots in Zanzibar. My mother hailed from Zanzibar and there is a special touch with all Zanzibari mothers..just as Zanzibar itself..they nurture with immense love and so is Zanzibar..full of love!! | |
| March 27th 2003 | |
| Jasvant Mehta | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| I was born in Zanzibar in 1940, Schooled there and worked as a Customs Officer until the Revolution. Immigrated to Dar es Salaam, worked there until 1980 and immigrated to Canada. I took an early retirement recently. | |
| March 15th 2003 | |
| Pravin Virji Mehta | 2230 Mira Monte Street,Corona,C.A.92879. |
| Dear Abdulrazak, You have created a wonderful site for all Zanzibaris.I could recollect so many Zanzibaris, from your Guest Book, with whom I had studied and they were my friends.I studied in Sir Euan Smith Madress School when Mr.A.R.Arjani was Headmaster.Then I completed my Secondary Education in Government Boys' Secondary School.Then I worked in Bet-el-Ajayab Building,first in Police Department and then in the Ministries. I lived in Mchhambhavima in the same building which is now International Hotel.This building was previously,called building of Popat Virji.I moved to Dar-es-salaam in 1967 after the revolution and worked as Financial Controller in Twiga Chemical Industries Ltd.I have now settelded in California, U.S.A.But I still miss the life which we had in Zanzibar.They were the golden years of our life.The unique thing about Zanzibar was that there was no caste distinction and everybody lived like brothers and sisters.That life will never come.I studied with Master Naik and Master Desai and I see their sons signing in the guest book with whom I had also studied. Please keep up the good work. Pravin Virji Mehta. | |
| March 13th 2003 | |
| Alnoor (sorry, no last name here) | California, USA |
| "Mr. Sherrif, I just wanted to point out to you that under your chapter one - section on Zanzibar - your last paragraph where it reads: ""In a helpless state I bed farewell to my house..."" has one spelling error in it -I think this was most probably a typo error than anything else, something that you most probably overlooked when typing - in ""bed"" that should have correctly have read as: ""In a helpless state, I BADE farewell to my house..."". But other than this, I must say, Mr. Sherrif, I thoroughly enjoyed surfing through your web portal on ""Jangbar"" or (Zanzibar). I must say that I whole heartedly concur with you, as well as with all your other guest who signed in your GuestBook, with their most thought- provoking commentries on their past memories and experiences in Zanzibar, that this place was, and is truly still, one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It's also most probably a reflection of ""Jannat"" (Paradise) on Earth. If you must know, then there is a mythical saying here in California that goes something like this that: When God first uttered the word: ""BE"", the first place that came into ""BEING"" on Earth was ""Los Angeles,"" but now I have second thoughts about this statement: as I now believe that the ""FIRST EVER"" place that came into ""BEING"" on Earth was: ""Zanzibar!"". A little about myself: I was born (so were both my parents) and raised in Morogoro - in a very serene, small, beautiful town overlooking The Uluguru Mountain - but, after the political upheaval and turmoil that followed the unstability in Tanzania, way back in the late 1960s, we were forced to migrate to London, England, which is where we decided to settle for about a decade. It was here in London where I acquired all my basic education from: 'O' Levels (Form IV), to 'A' Levels (Form V), and then onwards to University, where I graduated with Honours Bachelors degree in Computing Science major. After graduation, I landed my first job as a Associate Programmer Analyst in California, which is where I next moved to and have been ever since time immemorial! I lost touch with both Tanzania as well as England after I moved to California. Being an avid Cricket fan and enthusiast, just like yourself and others who enjoyed playing as well watching it, I must also say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading your section on Cricket too). This brought back tons of vivid memories of Cricket in Morogoro, as with all the rivalries between the various Clubs et. al. By the way, I found your web portal from The YAHOO search Engine after I'd entered the word: ""MATUFA"" - you know: those tasty, sweet with nectarine, tropical fruits you have mentioned in your section under Zanzibar. Boy, do I miss those fruits from Tanzania, but fate has it otherwise. Oh, I must now pen off, because I've a tendency to get carried away when I start writing on subjects that I have vivid memories off! Thank you so much for evoking those latent thoughts!! Sincerely Alnoor P.S. Unfortunately, I've NEVER got the opportunity of visiting Zanzibar, but the way you put it sounds so very enchanting and romantic - just like the tales from: ""ALF LAYLA AL LAYLA - Mythical stories from: ""One Thousand and One Arabian Nights stories!""" | |
| February 12th 2003 | |
| Razahussein Manji | Daressalaam/Tanzania |
| Very much impressed | |
| February 11th 2003 | |
| Murtaza Rajabali | Dar es salaam. |
| Introduced by Br. Aziz Mehdi, I am glad for the sake of posterity, that you have saved the memoirs. Wasalaam | |
| February 11th 2003 | |
| Riyaz Mohamed Ali | Switzerland |
| SALAMA OLD IS GOLD, ITS GREAT AND JOYFUL TO RECALL BHULI HUYI YADEE.LISTNING FROM MY GRAND FATHER TO MY INLAWS WHO ARE ALL ZANZIBARIS, YOU HAVE GIVEN THE REAL PICTURE OF THE FANTASTIC MOHABBAT WAY OF LIFE. KEEP IT UP. KWAHERI | |
| February 7th 2003 | |
| Sanat K. Dave | League City, TX, USA |
| A wonderful collection of a home place in pictures. Mr. Champak Shah directed me to your web site. Wonderful job. I was born in Kiponda St. too. Thanks. Sanat Dave. | |
| January 31st 2003 | |
| Muneer ud Deen | Walton On Thames, Surrey. U.K. |
| Hi there Abdurrazak, I coincidentally came across your reminiscences of Zanzibar as I was looking up the mail bag from Namaskar Africana. As you know it has participants from all over the world forming the East African Asian Diaspora. Let me tell you my dear Abdul, the article/biography found deep resonance with me from several aspects, but particularly in view of the fact that I was in Zanzibar at the age of 3-4yrs. in and around 1935/6. My recollections of the time are very strange and flocculant. Although I was but a child at the time I suppose that in itself is not an earth shattering happening except for the fact that I went through fairly traumatic experience in my life. My father Camer-ud-Deen who was an inspector in the Zanzibar police was assassinated by one of the sword carrying mangas or mshihiris you described in your discourse. This was during a riot against, presumably the govt who it appears much to their [mangas/mshihiris] angst had raised the tax on cloves. The story such as it is, goes that my father in the course of his duties went amongst them to quell the riot: being mistaken for an Englishman because of his pale complexion he was beheaded by a sword wielding manga/mshihiri. The reason for boring you with this bit of background information is to ask you a simple question which I suspect because of your intimate knowledge of the history of Zanzibar you may be able to answer. I would like to visit my fathers grave in order to pay my respects, but would very much appreciate knowing whether the cemetery used by the Sunni Muslims in 1935/6 is still in existence? I would be extremely grateful for the information or would appreciate to know who or what authority to enquire from, and would be prepared to reimburse any out of pocket expenses you may incur in the pursuit of the answer. many regards Muneer | |
| January 23rd 2003 | |
| Champak Shah | Houston, Texas |
| Hello Mr. Abdulrazak: It gave me and my wife much pleasure to read the article and some photos of Zanzibar. I lived there for 21 years and my wife, who was born there lived for 26 years. My wife, being a teacher in ESM (with Mr. Ibrahim Jaffer, who is now in Dubai. If you need his email, let me know.), enjoyed the photos contained in the article. I have several online links of Zanzibar, if you like I will forward them to you. CVShah, Houston, 01/23/03 | |
| January 23rd 2003 | |
| Chandrakant shah | Australia |
| Read with interest. Brought back the memories of student days at ESM where your eldest brother was my teacher. Also enlightened to read the origin of some of the races in Jungbar. | |
| January 22nd 2003 | |
| Hussein P. Virani | CLIFTON NJ , U.S.A. |
| 786-92-110 ASALAMUNALAIKUM WARAHAMATULLAHI WA BARAKATU !!!! GONE ARE THE DAYS AND THEY DONOT COMEBACK !!!! WE ALL LEAVE FOOT PRINTS ON THE SAND OF TIME !!!! WITH THAKS FOR THE MARTER PIECE JOB DONE | |
| January 22nd 2003 | |
| Bhadra Vadgama | London, UK |
| Your account of Zanzibar is so beautiful, true to reality and vividly portrayed. My dad had Kapadia Motor Mart in Zanzibar and we were quite well known as Kapadias. I went to Govt. Girls Sec School near the seafront close to Customs Office before going to Makerere College. Rozina Visram and I were the only 2 girls in 1956 to get a 1st grade in Cambridge SC Exam. I went to the World Centenary Girl Guides Camp to UK IN 1957. I also taught at Seyyida Matuka School. Like you have mentioned about 1 shilling all round cinema show, we as children of 40s & early 50s, with 10 cents could buy a stick of roasted mohogo, a handful of jugus, 2 pieces of ganderi and a slice of anenas/keri/matufa or mohogo and chana bateta. You need to make 2 corrections. Master Kilemba's name was not Rathod but Premchand Mehta. Also it is Dr. Goradia and not Goraria. | |
| January 16th 2003 | |
| Mussadique Jaffer Ladak | Milton Keynes United Kingdom |
| You brought bak plesent memories and tears. Inshallah I intend to perform Arbaeen in Zanzibar in 2004. | |
| January 11th 2003 | |
| Murtaza Basheer Nasser | Dar Es Salaam |
| Dear Abdulrazak This is the first time I visited your site and was overwhelmed to see my Uncle' tribute which so accurately describes the feelings and emotions that your website invokes. We are grateful to you for the effort in setting up this website and may the Almighty amply reward you for the effort in documenting what many Zanzibaris will never forget. This message to you from my Grandfather (Abdulhussien Nasser Pira), Father ( Basheer Nasser) who features in one of your photographs and myself. | |
| December 25th 2002 | |
| Mohamed Sheriff | Dar es Salaam |
| Verrrrrrry good writing. I was not aware of this site. I am a Dewani too and have seen you many times but never came to talking with you. Inshallah perhaps soon as life is too short. I could never comprehend why my dad was inlove with Zanzibar but after reading all that you wrote I have a better perception of the times my dad keeps talking about. | |
| December 17th 2002 | |
| Shaukatali A.Dawood | Dubai - U.A.E |
| My grandfather Marhum Haji Ghulla whom you mention in your write up 'Zanzibar Khoja Ithnashris' was a Lawaty. They were those who had migrated to Muscat from Medina after Imam Mohamed A'Wahab spreaded Wahabisim, and intermarried with Hydrabadis who came from India. Also the 21st of Ramadhan in Zanzibar was made a holiday by not Marhum Ali Nathoo but General Khan who was the first non European Police Commander. | |
| December 17th 2002 | |
| MOHOMED A HASHAM NASSER | LONDON, ENGLAND |
| IT WAS A PLEASURE TO HAVE SEEN THE WEBSITE. IT TOOK ME BACK MANY YEARS OF MEMORY AND VISUALISE MY HOME COUNTRY. MY PRAYERS TO ALL MEMBERS OF MY COMMUNITY WHO ARE STILL IN THE ISLAND, AND MAY YOU ALL BE BELSSED WITH ALLAH'S MERCY AND HOLD ON AND PRESERVE ALL THAT OUR ANCESTORS HAD CREATED AND ESTABLISHED IN THE ISLAND. MOHOMED A HASHAM NASSER REGARDS. | |
| December 16th 2002 | |
| Ali Al Ismaily | MUSCAT - OMAN |
| Nice web site with nice picture. I remember my school Haille Selassie when I was in form III in 1972. | |
| December 6th 2002 | |
| Ferhana Dostmohamed | Toronto-Canada |
| "I came upon your site on Zanzibar while doing some research on the history and culture of Zanzibar. Your writing, in particular the one titled ""Chapter 1"" is EXACTLY the kind of information I am looking for and I would appreciate it if you could direct me to more of similar kind of information. I am basically looking for little intimate details of life in Zanzibar in the early 1900's where the Arabs and Indians, in particular the ithenasheri had a ""grand"" life. Anytime from 1900-1964 when the revolution hit Zanzibar. Could you please send that information my way should you happen to have it? Even your own recollections would be great. I would appreciate it. Ahsant Ferhana Dostmohamed" | |
| December 1st 2002 | |
| Poonam Paleja | Berlin/Germany |
| "Dear Mr.Abdulrazak, searching ""Bhatias""---coming across Zanzibar---reading a small line on Kutchi Bhatias in Zanzibar.What a pleasent moment!!!.We are Bhatias. My father a Kutchi, my mother a Punjabi, and my husband a Halai Bhatia. My paternal Grandfather (Jethmal Meghji Sampat)had been to Zanzibar in 19th-20th century. I hope you can find some article on this period. tiaar Poonam Paleja" | |
| November 22nd 2002 | |
| Neville A. Arjani | Cleveland, Ohio-US. |
| Dear Abdulrazak: My sister, Jer, introduced me to your website. And, boy, am I amazed by the ton of material you have there. You must have a lot of energy, though somewhere on your site you claim to be getting weaker. Sorry, but I find that hard to believe. Now, obviously, I know you because I went to Jai Hind College from 1966 to late in 1968, when I transferred to St. Xavier's College for the last year and a half. Your period at Jai Hind overlaps mine I think. Unfortunately, you have to help me remember because sometimes the memory can be blurred. And, then, we must have overlapped at King George VI which I attended in 1962 and 1963 (in 1964 and 1965, I went to school in Dar-es-Salaam at St. Joseph's Secondary School). And, finally, maybe at my father's and your brother's school, ESM. I now live in Cleveland, Ohio in the US. All my brothers (2) and sisters (3) live in the US for which I'm eternally grateful. Before our parents passed away, they would visit the US regularly and my Mom lived here the last few years of her life. Of course, they sorely missed Zanzibar, but I was young enough and the break was complete so that while I wax nostalgic once in a while, my home is clearly here in the US. I'm not sure I understand your choice of heroes in Ayatollah Khomeini but then again you may find my hero, Ronald Reagan, to be not your cup of tea. To me, Ronald Reagan, was an uncommon man too many people underestimated. Boy, he proved them wrong! Thanks for a great site! | |
| November 12th 2002 | |
| SHIRIN DUNGERSI | RICHMOND HILL, ONTARIO. CANADA. |
| VERY GOOD. BEING A JANGHBARI MYSELF, IT BROUGHT BACK LOTS OF LOVELY MEMORIES. IT IS TRUE WHAT THEY SAY. YOU CAN TAKE OUT A PERSON FROM A COUNTRY, BUT YOU CAN NOT TAKE OUT A COUNTRY FROM A PERSON. THANK YOU. | |
| November 2nd 2002 | |
| Jitendra (jitu) Maganlal Desai M.D. | Sewickley Pa.U.S.A. |
| Was thrilled to hear from a former Zanzibari after a long time.Keep the good work.jitu | |
| October 29th 2002 | |
| Aspi Dastur | Pittsburgh, USA |
| "Hi Abdulrazak: Great Website! Excellent photos, with a superb write-up of the good old days. It's no wonder that many people had called Zanzibar, Paradise of the Indian Ocean. A well-deserved description. Sadly, the future was not to be when the 1964 revolution ripped its golden heart out, and turned this paradise into a living hell, where hundreds of lives were disrupted, and many even lost. Abdulrazak, I was at King George VI School in 1963 doing HSC. I cannot place you there, but you must have been a year or two junior to me. I had great fun participating in School debates. What a vibrant school it was. I have fond memories of our teachers: Evans, Gregory, English, Ellis, Wesson, Fernandes, and others. They were dedicated teachers of the highest caliber. In Bombay, I stayed at University Hostel on Churchgate ""B"" Road,(1968-1970), around the same time as you were at Jai Hind College, which was right behind the Hostel. Abdulrazak, your website, and also Bargash's site, which I highly recommend, not only bring back a lot of memories, but are also a great way to re-establish contacts and friendships. Isn't it ironic that the disruption and destruction caused by one Revolution is now being remedied by another revolution - the Internet Revolution. " | |
| October 28th 2002 | |
| Zarin Avari(Nee Badhni | Manchester, England |
| I am an ex Zanzibari, living in England for the last 38 years. I enjoyed your website very much. It made me quite nostalgic. The pictures were wonderful. | |
| October 28th 2002 | |
| Daras Bulsara | Ottawa, Canada |
| Dear Abdulrazak, Though we dont know each other, I was thrilled to see my fathe'r photo (Rati Bulsara) on your website. Your writeup is quite interesting. The photos remind me of my birthplace. Alas ! Those who had the vision of a cosmopolitan Zanzibar with peace and harmony with no enemosity between caste, creed or religion, were all washed away in one horriffic revolution ! Please do keep up the good work and show the world what we have lost. With kindest regards Daras Bulsara | |
| October 27th 2002 | |
| Freny & Yazdi J Jasavala | London UK |
| Those were the days!! | |
| October 27th 2002 | |
| kantilal h thanki | succasunna nj USA |
| Dear Abdulrazak: It was a great joy to go through your website. Thanks for putting together such an interesting, informative and entertaining story of past and present Zanzibar. For those of us who grew up on the island and enjoyed the growing up years in what in my mind will always be remembered as paradise, it was a pleasant voyage to the past memories. In the turmoil that the island suffered during 1964 many of us have lost the pictures of the past and yours were a pleasant gift. In many ways I believe yours and my history share many common features. We both shared residencies in close proximity in Bombay while studying in the mid 1960's. I have never met you but I must have seen you during 1962 and 1963 when we both studied at King George VI Secondary School. Thank you very much for sharing your pictures and life with us. Zanzibar as you know will always be Xanadu for us. Kanti | |
| October 26th 2002 | |
| Jer Udvadia | Basking Ridge, New Jersey |
| My parents were Arnavaz and Ardeshir Arjani. My father was the headmaster of E. S. Madressa. I am the youngest of 6 children. I left Z'bar after the revolution at the age of 11. I only just discovered your website so I have not yet fully explored it. Thanks for some great memories. | |
| October 25th 2002 | |
| Khurshed Dastur M.D | Pittsburgh, USA |
| Excellent. Thanks for the many great memories. As Parsees we burried our dead in Zbar unlike our tradition in India. Our fire temple was beyond Coopers, after the Bohra Gymkhana and Goan cemetry. Our burial ground was attached to it. I am a great admirer of your community. My brother Aspi and my sister Mahrookh and i all went to St. Joseph Convent school. I passed senior Cambridge in 1960, was admitted to King George and left in six months to the great annoyance of Mr. Davis to go to England to study medicine. I was lucky to get a scholarship from Yusufali Karimjee as he and his brother Tayabali were good friends of my father from their days in the Masonic Lodge. Jessa was in the lodge at the same time. I gratuated from Univ of Newcastle in 1968, and then went to Canada for two years and since then have been in Pittsburgh, USA. I now practise as a neuroradiologist at one of the teaching hospitals. My wife is from Bombay and i have two boys. My father Jehangir used to work for Cable and Wireless, and i am so grateful to you for that picture in Shangani as it also shows my house opposite C&W. Our Parsee teachers masters Arjani, Kanga and B.D.Mehta have passed away. Master Rana is still alive in Bombay. Mrs. Arjani has also passed away. I played cricket for the Parsees. I used to attend practices during the week with your Ithnashri team and also the Arab team. I once played in the Ismaili team. Soli Darukhanawala used to come and practise with various teams and he picked me up for the parsee team where i played as the youngest man before leaving for England. The comradry between the various communities we had should be a lesson to our people in India and Pakistan. I never knew of any Hindu, Muslim, Arab or Parsee rivalries and i often talk of this with my Muslim colleague and frien Dr. Chaudry who hails from Kisumu. I remember Juma Aley, Tungule, Zavad because they would let me practise. I can not recall the names of of the two very fair Arab boys who played for the Arabs but studied at i believe the Technical school. With our concrete and tar pitch developed reflexes i went on to represent my college and subsequently the medical school in England without any difficulty. Regarding our Parsee cricketers Dara Daruwalla, Keki and Parvez Talati,Rusi Madon and Themton and his brother Russi Bhumgara and Rutti Bulsara have passed away unfortunately. Russi Feroz Madon, the Combine player and captain resides in Toronto. He will be delighted to see the picture of Cosmos team. He was the teacher at King George. Kersy Jassavala of Technical School, Beitalras, resides in Wimbledon, London. Master Desai passed away a couple of years ago in Houston. His son is a urology physician here in Pgh and will be delighted to visit your website. He is related to master Nayak who has also passed away i believe. I met his sons at Jeetu's daughters wedding here in Pgh. For displaced people like us and especially for communities like our Parsee community which was never big but was totally wiped out in the turmoil of independence I salute you for reviving the memories. We produced some giants in the history of Zanzibar in Rustom Sidhwa and Rutti Bulsara as major figures in the two big parties before independence. Parvez Talati was mayor and Keki Madon was the Speaker of the Legislative Council before independence. Great achievement for a miniscule community while it lasted but alas it is all over. I am sure God has a special place for you and i thank u for reminding us of our fathers and forefathers and the part they played in the history of the place of our birth. | |
| October 24th 2002 | |
| Les Gonsalves | Chicago-USA |
| I am from Zanzibar. left in 1967 and have been in the States since 1968. My dad was an officer in the Port & Marine. Just got back from a fantastic occasion in Toronto of the ex Zanzibaries. They called the event the ZANDO. Amazing to see the strong camaraderie that still exists within us after all the time. Guess must have been the cloves that permeated our bloodstream to allow us to bond so tightly. | |
| October 24th 2002 | |
| Ms Sakar Datoo | Karachi, Pakistan |
| Assalamalaikum Nduguu na Mwana inchhi, I must tell you how deeply, very deeply touched I have felt reading Chapter One of your Reflections on ZANZIBAR, ek madhur sa Sapna jo ke Sapna hi rahe gaya. Believe me, it has been an afternoon of Reverie, Reflection and Reminiscence!!! I would like to own this book. Tell me,where can I purchase it??? With Salaams, Dua o Barakat and Best Wishes From Sakar, Jangbari to the last core. | |
| October 22nd 2002 | |
| mabel Pooran nee De Souza | St. james Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies |
| I was very glad to visit your website on Zanzibar. I looked at all the pics and remember when Princess Margaret visited Zanzibar. My mother Maggie was presented to her on two occasions, once as Island Commissioner for the Girl Guides and then as President of the Zanzibar Womens' Voluntary society. I used to captain the girls hockey teams and the netball teams-the latter took place in the grounds of Old Fort. My mother was an avid cricket fan. I was blessed to have been born and brought up up in Zanzibar. I brag so much about Zanzibar and i can detect the envy in some of the folks that i relate my stories. I was a student of St. Joseph Convent and then worked as Woman Asst. Insp of Police in the Special Branch and there is where we used to get reports of imminent coups on a weekly basis. A lot of my personal friends were slain during the coup. I owned a bright red Vespa scooter, KMB, and we had to drape a green curtain to hide the colour. Our office overlooked the prison yard and it was depressing to see people we knew in the yard including one of my classmates who was a constable in the police. You have done a wonderful job. I lived on suicide alley, Shangani next to tippu tip house and next door to the Shariff family which was huge. Would love to hear from any of them. My attachment to Zanzibar is very strong and i have asked my family that when i pass away, i would like my ashes to be strewn in the waters in front of my house, which is near the former English Club. We are now getting ready for Carnival and i have been helping make the costumes. I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Brian Lara who attended the launching of the costumes at a big party. I was 21 when i left Zanzibar in 1964. It is my intention to pay a visit and when i do it will be a pleasure to meet with you. I am sure we have mutual friends. Mabel Mabel | |
| October 17th 2002 | |
| Shabbir Pyarali Giga | Arusha.Tanzania |
| I was happy to go through your website which really reminds me about my hometown Zanzibar. | |
| October 16th 2002 | |
| Kantilal H. Thanki | succasunna nj USA |
| I have been introduced to your web site and gone through parts of it which I found very interesting. What coincidences! It appears like you and I have crossed paths many times and yet not met each other. I must have seen you at GSBS for when you joined King George the vith School in 1962 I was doing first year of HSC. I used to play cricket for Hollingsworth House and Yusuf Kabana was from Abdulla House. We represented the school also. I was also in Bombay from 1964 to 1969. In Bombay I lived in Sion for 2 years and at Marine Lines in International Students' Hostel at Kimatrai Building. From 1967 to 1969 I was at University Hostel on B Road at Churchgate next to Hotel Natraj. I too lost my passport at Cairo airport but it was recovered just before the plane was to leave. I also taught at Agakhan Secondary School in Daressalaam for a year(1970 to 1971). I came to USA and after doing my Ph.D in Texas I have worked at different places. I work in New York now making Test Tube babies for people who have problem having babies. Keeps me busy. May be someday we will meet. | |
| October 14th 2002 | |
| Hashem Kadu-Baluchi | Dorset UK |
| Typed 'king george vi school in zanzibar'on 'google search' and was taken to your delightful site.I was very impressed when I was reading your web page. I could not stop reading as the old Zanzibar which you and I both knew unfolded itself by the way you described. I could imagine myself walking there in those narrow streets say at Kiponda where Gopal Samji made one of my best suits. Unfortunately that Z'bar is gone completely. What memories of Zanzibar!. I studied at the school in the early 60's and then Mr Kureishi got me a teaching job at the Hindu Union Secondary School at Shangani, where he and Mr Nayak were also teaching having retired from KG the VI school. I taught English Language, History, and Mathematics. You have done a wonderful job by putting down your unforgettable remininscences of Zanzibar. Just an anecdote which I still remember from the old school is that Desai emphasised he purposely used to drink milk during the sun's eclipse in complete contradiction to his Hindu upbringing which forbids drinking or eating during such period. I remember the lovely time I had at the school having played in the volleyball team for all the 4 years I was a student. We won the Zanzibar volleyball cup. Sherali Meghji (he was Ithnaasheri)was the captain. He sadly died young of heart attack in the USA a few years ago (a relation of his Sheni lives in Tanga). As a matter of interest in 1982 I met Mr R Evans (one of the lecturers who used to teach at the school) by chance and he invited me to his home. Mr Piggott who used to be the principal of the technical school at Beit el Ras is well :he is over 75 now. I spoke to him about two years ago. Please visit my site: I have a page dedicated to Zanzibar at http://www.geocities.com/hkadu_baluchi/zanz44/img.html with an added musical background to some of the pages. | |
| October 3rd 2002 | |
| Aliasgar Jaffer Devjee | Richmond Hill, Ontario. Canada |
| Congratulation and May Allah s.w.t. give you healthy long life and strenght to do you such good job. | |
| October 2nd 2002 | |
| Hasanain Valli | Toronto/Canada |
| Excellent work! Keep it up. News and views about Z'bar is never enough. | |
| October 1st 2002 | |
| Hasnain A. Tejani | Dar es Salaam/Tanzania |
| A wonderful experience walking down memory lane - Jazakallah for all your efforts - God Bless You and Keep Up the Good Work. | |
| September 28th 2002 | |
| lilly mohammed | toronto, ontario, canaada |
| Wonderful website and its contains. I cried a lot there is whole life story in it Allah bless my birth place and bless you brother Lilly | |
| September 14th 2002 | |
| Suleiman | |
| I enjoyed your pictures very much. A nice collection that reminds the good old days. many thanks. | |
| September 6th 2002 | |
| mohammed raza saleh | d.s.m |
| good job keep it up | |
| August 7th 2002 | |
| Rashid Al Barwani | Muscat ,Oman |
| "HI ABDUL, I AM AN ARAB,AND YOU ARE AN INDIAN.WHAT IS THE COMMON THING BETWWEN US???? WE ARE COMIN' FROM THE SAME PLACE ""ZANZIBAR"" KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK" | |
| July 29th 2002 | |
| July 8th 2002 | |
| Gulzarhusein(Murtaza) K.Nagri | Dar es Salaam/Tanzania |
| The substantial efforts put in really localising the real Z'bar history is really commendable. I did not realise that Khoja splitted in the Island. Throughout it is really lively, short, lucid, the language tone and style seond to none tuning in line with the famous West Indian author V.Naipaul. On Cricket which is my favourite, Fazal's presence in the Limda Group was by itself unique and that race barrier was totally broken. At times when he was absent, constantly it was asked where is FAZAL. Limda cherished him with vibration of internationalism. Lastly I would like to claim the copy rights of his thoughtful work. My friend keep it up. | |
| July 7th 2002 | |
| Husein Yusufali Salehmohamed | Houston, Texas |
| Great site. In Zanziabr, we were known as Karachiwala or Gheewala. Aunali (Gujarat) and Murtaza(Toronto-Takes Hajj and Ziyarat groups) are my brothers. You will not believe how your website has brought back so many memories of Zanzibar. Keep up the great site. | |
| June 18th 2002 | |
| rajan mehta | bhuj-kutch/india |
| this site is too good | |
| June 12th 2002 | |
| Mohamedraza A. Dharsi | DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA |
| I was very much impressed by your vivid account of Chehlum in Zanzibar and Ashura in Dar es Salaam. I would advise every Zanzibari to visit your Website to refresh his/her memory of the good old days of Zanzibar. Also your description of Nai Masid is very informative. Keep it up! | |
| May 27th 2002 | |
| Mr.Godrej Keki Bhumgara | U.K. |
| Still going thro' site slowly. Great service to Jangbaris. | |
| May 12th 2002 | |
| DIAMOND DHALLA | LOS ANGELES |
| Hello Abdulrazak Your old pal--made a lot of improvememnts since I last visited your historical website I studied at the Aga Khan school but finished my studies at the Ben Bella near Mnazi Moja--any one remembers me--I also belonged in the Taarab group but was singing Hindi Songs with Babuali and party well done Abdulrazak--wewe ni mzanzibari halisi DIAMOND DHALLA LOS ANGELES--USA | |
| May 12th 2002 | |
| Mohamed (Madi) Fazal | Toronto Canada |
| Best History of Zanzibar, Would want to know more about FAZAL family how we came to Zanzibar and What happened,AbdulRazak I have now moved to TORONTO,Last we met at Dar near the mosque I did not know what historical knowledge you had....wish you best of luck and our dua....Madi | |
| May 8th 2002 | |
| Zahir Bhalloo | Mombasa, Kenya |
| "Searching for the late Abbas Alloo's Vatan Se Dur, I came across your website, which I predict for a very long time will hold a special place in my favourites! I not only wish to commend your excellent and accurate efforts, but to thank-you for keeping the memories of our fore fathers alive. Knowing full well that indescribable force that all Khoja's experience when referring to the events that shape their fascinating history and indeed these very same fore-fathers who defined them. If I may add, it is this ""history"" precisely that I am concerned with currently, and wish to record inshallah in the form of a humble book in the near future. Indeed my friends and I are very keen on publishing a book akin to We Came in Dhows by Cynthia Salvadori, whom I had the good fortune to have fruitful discussions with, and who has kindly agreed to help. Considering your knowledge on the subject, I would like to enlist your help too. However the book we have in mind is a history of the Khoja Shia Ithna-asheris limited to the Kenyan Coast, Lamu and Mombasa, although undoubtedly Zanzibar will be mentioned extensively, the very prospect of a work that covers our history in Zanzibar,in depth, spells volumes not book to me! " | |
| May 4th 2002 | |
| Deepak Daya | u.s.a. |
| very good site.you did a good job.i am a zanzibari too. | |
| May 3rd 2002 | |
| leila m khalfan | Etobicoke,canada |
| It is good to have access of our roots in this era and more over the thirst for knowledge of the past is never quenched. | |
| May 1st 2002 | |
| Gulambbas Sikiladha | Ottawa - Canada |
| I was greatly inspired with what you have put together of the memories Brings lots of memories back A very well organized work | |
| April 7th 2002 | |
| RIYAZ M. MASTER | DUBAI U.A.E. |
| "YOUR SITE WAS GIVEN TO ME BY SHEHNAZ.IT'S REALLY AMAZING ABDUL! YOU REALLY ARE A TALENTED PERSON.THE WAY YOU HAVE WRITTEN ABOUT ZANZIBAR IS JUST EXTRA ORDINARY.KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK""" | |
| April 4th 2002 | |
| Gulamhusain Sherali Ahmed Ladha | USA |
| Abdulrazak Salaams Eid Mubarak Great Job Babu | |
| April 3rd 2002 | |
| Aliraza Alidina | Edmonton, Canada |
| S/A Nice to see your photo after a very long time. Also it is nice to be able to keep in touch with one's own birth place. Wassalam! Aliraza | |
| March 27th 2002 | |
| Sultan Kermalli | Hounslow U.K |
| Many thanks for bringing back old memories. Managed to get an e-mail address of a friend of mine who I lost contact with many years ago from your guest list. Sheni Dungersi's comments on scouting activities in Zanzibar brought back memories of our camping trips to Chuwaka. Please keep up your sterling effort. God bless | |
| March 26th 2002 | |
| SHABIR MASTER BAKER | UNITED STATES OF AMERICA |
| Dear Abdul Razak: I hope you are fine. I was forwarded your website by my brother from Tanga. (Taki). It is really a fantastic and excellent website and I totally agree with you that all Zanzibaris should visit this website. I also read your article in Africa Federation. I was very pleased to see that you have acknowledged my late father Marhum Master Baker who was a staunch supporter of the Azadari of our beloved Imam Hussein A.S. Every place I go, when I mention that I am the youngest son of Master Baker, people immediately acknowledge the good services that he gave to the community in zanzibar. As you are aware, here in New York, we call the second Zanzibar. The Majority of our people are of Zanzibar descent. Please keep the the good work. I hav eforwarded your website to many people such as Husein golo Mshamba, Murtaza Merali, Hasnain Roshan Alloo, and many others (Zanzibaris). Although I was born after the revolution of Zanzibar, but I still remember the Julus & other Azadari activities. (very little) Thanks, SHABIR MASTER BAKER 655 Evelyn Avenue East Meadow - New York 11554 USA E-mail: BAKERSUSA@AOL.COM | |
| March 15th 2002 | |
| Mohamedtaki Master Baker | TANGA - TANZANIA |
| Nice to visit your site. I did not spend much time in Zanzibar as I was born just few years before revolution and left Zanzibar in 1970. So I hardly know of Zanzibar and this made me interesting to visit your site. My father was Zanzibarian and also a very popular teacher. This added my interest to visit your site because I may come to know more about my father and his place of birth. In past many of his students contacted me to know about his whereabouts. | |
| March 14th 2002 | |
| Hasnein M. Gulamali | Morrow, Georgia |
| We have never met nor do we know each other. I stumbled on your web site today while surfing and wanted to take the time to tell you that you have done a superb job. I actually felt I was at home going through your website. Through this website, you have provided a vehicle for Itnaasheris of Zanzibari background to get a little piece of Zanzibar while we live the fast lives in the West. It could also be a vehicle to bring us together in good causes. Even though raised in Arusha and Dar es salaam, when I first set foot in Zanzibar, I felt at home. That my ancestors were from Zanzibar may have had a lot to do with it. Keep up the good work with this website. It certainly helped me keep the spirit of Zanzibar inside me alive. Zanzibar, I love you and I miss you. You will always be in my heart. And Zanzibar, I will always come back to you.Inshallah, Mwenyenzi Mungu atakubariki kwa kazi hii ya kheri amabayo umefanya. | |
| March 3rd 2002 | |
| Issa Peera | Adelaide, Australia |
| "Dear Abdulrazak, May I express somewhat poetically my heartfelt response to the Memoirs on Zbar: ""I visited your site: I visited a shrine of memories With head bowing weighed down by grief grief of loss incurable loss of home, of roots, of self. The umbilical cord which before birth Tied me to my mother Since lies buried in the soil To which I remain tied Spiritually, emotionally Deep is the yearning To return to be buried in the soil wherein lies the cord of life The soil of Zanzibar"" So there it goes unashamed heartpouring. On our last visit to the island we visited the museum in sultans palace. A room is dedicated to the daughter of Barghash I think who eloped with a German to Europe. In old age she pined to return to have her bones rest in Zanzibar but she was denied permission. So she had a load of Zbar clay/earth sent to her which was laid in the grave for her to lie on for eternity. I wept when I read the story. Perhaps you might like to weave it into your story. I was taken out of Zbar but Zbar has not been taken out of me. I would very much like to meet you because you are as much possessed of the passion as I am. Inshallah. Issa" | |
| March 2nd 2002 | |
| Noorien Bhaloo | tANZANIA DAR-ES-SALAAM |
| Great site keep it up | |
| February 22nd 2002 | |
| Raza and Nargis Bhimji | Regina Saskatchewan S4V 1T3 Canada |
| I am married to Nargis(Gishu) Jaffer Ali Khaku of Zanzibar. She is older to Zehra Peera and Younger to Khaiaroon Ally. Your mother will remember her. Give her our salaams. More when I hear from you. | |
| February 18th 2002 | |
| ANWER M.R. ALIDINA | TANZANIA |
| ABDULRAZACK, THE STORY OF ZANZIBAR WAS TOO GOOD AND REALLY REFRESHES OLD MEMORIES OF UNFORGETABLE UNGUJA. KEEP IT UP. | |
| February 17th 2002 | |
| Surendra B.G.Naik | Dallas, Texas |
| Dear Abdulrazak, What a Website!You have put an amazing collection of stories,and photographs that brings memories back very vividly. To a cricketer (and the one who played cricket at the ESM and then the Gov't Boys Secondary School, Hindus,and then played for Zambia in the Quadrangular tournaments in Nairobi in 1968 and 1972),the names Rusi Madon,Tehempton Bhumgara,Rati Bulsara,Haridas Ganatra,Dara (umpire)Keki Talati,Rusi Feroz, of the Cosmos, Golo Mshamba, Kabana,Sherali Ndege,Baker Tejani,who was my classmate in 1952,was just unthinkable. I am Mr.B.G.Naik's eldest son,and left for Zambia in 1953 after finishing at the Gov't. Boys Sec.School in 1952. We are settled in Dallas,Texas for the past 26 years.My wife Urmila is the daughter of Mr.M.N.Desai (Gov't Boys Secondary School) We went to Zanzibar in 1996,and visited every street corner, and then realized that we were living in one of the finest spots of the world. My brothers Mahendra,Ramesh and Subodh are all in the Dallas area,and ,my sister Tarulata is in Los Angeles. The joy of meeting a Jangbari is truly unique! Words cannot express the joy that one would experience by visiting this site. Keep up the great work. Congratulations. Surendra and Urmila Naik | |
| February 11th 2002 | |
| Don Petterson | Brentwood, New Hampshire, USA |
| A wonderfully evocative website. The memoir of your days in pre-revolution Zanzibar was highly interesting, giving me a picture of the life of the Asian community which I had not seen portrayed in the various books I have read about Zanzibar. The photographs provide vivid recollections of those days before the violence of the revolution changed Zanzibar forever. My family and I lived in Zanzibar from July 1963 until November 1965. Our second child was born at the Karimjee Jivanjee Hospital in September 1963. We returned to the island from time to time while I was the American ambassador to Tanzania (1986-1989). Don Petterson | |
| February 10th 2002 | |
| Harish Dhutia | Dar es Salaam / Tanzania |
| It was a delight to visit your website.Viewing photos of Zanzibar in those days took me into the memory lane amd i went back in to my childhood days.Many thanx. | |
| February 10th 2002 | |
| Naushad Damji (Gabha) | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Salaam Alaikum Abdul. Many thanks for your tearful memories. I was indeed very emotional when i went through the pages. I couldent control my tears. it is a real master piece. Keep up the good work and lets have some more memories about unguja. I read vadi bajar (hurumzi) written by Mrs.Zehra Peera that made me very nostalgic. as i was born and brought up in hurumzi. May God Bless You! KhudaHafiz | |
| January 29th 2002 | |
| Shenny Dungersi | Toronto-Canada |
| salaams to you. i always loved my country unguja. we have a business operating under unguja trading company. i have been in canada for the last 30 years but my mind and thoughts are always with zanzibar. last year i visited the island but i was very much disappointed. it is a dead place. Like its cricket teams the scout troops in Zanzibar were also communal based e.g hindus, ismailis, bohoras, ithna-asheri. i was part of the ithna=asheri troop- 10th zanzibar troop. Then Ahmed Dungersi started the 13th troop which was a cosmopolitan group consisting of ithna-asheri, boharas, ismailis, hindus and so on. The group was one of the finest on the island. Ahmed Dungersi was a good leader and was a good organizer. He had organized an East African trip in which even i joined, dr. who was also with us. The 13th troop had nothing to do with Junni and Navi. The ithna-asheri troop scout master was Mohamedhussein Kermalli(Navi) and Anver Rahim (Junni), and the troop leader was Aunali Salehmohamed(Navi). Those were the good old days. | |
| January 24th 2002 | |
| Shaukat A. Jaffer | Dar es salaam Tanzania |
| Recollection are very important in life.You can see this from various comments in the guest book.You have spent valuable time and effort on this exercise but it will always be worth it.You have a good flair for recollections and recording.I wish you were encouraged to put the history of this community on record.All the best. | |
| January 23rd 2002 | |
| DIAMOND DHALLA | LOS ANGELES--USA |
| I am looking for my classmates who were studying with me at Sateni and Aga Khan school near Majestic cinema I left Zanzibar in 1968 | |
| January 14th 2002 | |
| Khurshed Madon | UK |
| I was in Z'bar August 2001 and have more up to date pictures of the town and various buildings included in your collection. Saw pictures of my father Rusi Madon, uncles Rusi Madon (postmaster) and Tehmto Bhumgara. Thank You. | |
| January 11th 2002 | |
| Sanjay Bhanji Patel. | P.O.Box - 1566, Mwanza, Tanzania. |
| There is nothing there at present, but still Zanzibar is my 'Fatherland'. | |
| January 10th 2002 | |
| Mohamed Damji | Armidale, Australia |
| A very excellent and good work. Gave me knowledge of where my dad came from i.e. the history of zanzibar | |
| January 2nd 2002 | |
| DIAMOND DHALLA | LOS ANGELES----USA |
| MR Abdulrazak You have done a very great service to us all--Zanzibaris I left Zanzibar in 1968 but have been there several times I was a regular moviegoer at Cine Afriqu cinema--my ticket was reserved for every Sunday I was also singing in one of the famous groups--Babuali and Party now I am a full fledged singer--thanks to Zanzibar. keep it up and lets have some more stuff Diamond Dhalla | |
| December 29th 2001 | |
| Mohamed Abdulghafoor | Canada |
| I personaly Thank You alot for Your affort and hard work of writing your experience that means ours too, though we were young,but we had a bit of it. | |
| December 5th 2001 | |
| Mohammed al_nabhany | Canada |
| Any one who has something to bring to us about Zanzibar, please do it as best as you can. Thanks Nabhani Toronto | |
| December 5th 2001 | |
| Mohammedhussein Rehmtullah | Dar-es-Salaam |
| a very impressing work keep it up | |
| December 3rd 2001 | |
| baqir allooi | Toronto - Canada |
| You have put a labour of love in creating your site. To me it brought back the old days live as I was born and lived in Zanzibar till the age of 37. My grandfather Khoja Haji Jafferbhai Alloo, as he was known, was a leading member of Kuwatul Islam Jamaat. Being a very pious person he confined himself to ibadaat and was a valued desciple of Agha Sayyid Hussein Shustari and a close friend of Khoja Haji Remtullabhai Tejani. Agha Sayyid Hussein Shustari at several occasions referred Haji Remtulla as Salman And Haji Jaffer Alloo as Abuzar. My religious teacher Malim Raza Nathani once told me that my grandfather was regular at all Jamaat prayers although he lived at Sokomohogo and an announcer of program after the salaat. He said that he would make a very short announcement 'masael paraba' using pure Mundrai Katchi. My grandfather, my uncle and my father were all buried at Junni Kabrastan but because of the nearness to our house almost all members of our family frequented Nai Misit. We never felt that we were strangers among the Nai congregation and participated fully in the ibadaat such as salaat and majlis. Niyaz at lunchtime on 8th day of Moharram was from us until the revolution scattered us. My late brother Hussein was a favorite dua and Quran reader at Nai Misit and my cousin and brother-in-law Mohamedhussein known as Bwana Ali was in charge of the electrical system at Nai Misit. Remember that there was no membership system in Zanzibar at that time and the proximity played a key role to attendance, which then took the form of loyalty. If Nai Misit had been built at Kiponda, the 'membership' would have been much larger. Your articles on Nai Misid and the one on History of Ithnaasheries in Zanzibar is a valued document and has received a lot of acclaim from Zanzibaries here. Please keep it up and may God bless you. | |
| December 1st 2001 | |
| Mahebub Rupani | Ottawa, Canada |
| An interesting website! My parents taught in Zanzibar (and I was born there) but left to settle in Dodoma, when I was still an infant. So, I have not seen Zanzibar. Your site provides much information about (and great pictures of) Zanzibar that one would find elsewhere with only extensive research. Congratulations. Please visit my website that I have attempted to build for my father, Mohamed Juma Rupani. | |
| November 29th 2001 | |
| Dinesh Pandya | Rockford. IL 61107 |
| Abdulrazak: Thanks for your e-mail..Yes it was at my father's paan shop that you bought all those pencil sharpeners...Thanks ... My father would have loved to hear that news...unfortunately he passed away in 1997. My brother Raju went to the Technical College at Beit -el Ras ( probably circa 1958...he had Mr. Pascoe as his Principal and some other teacher that taught esperanto)and Harish went to the Hindu Union Secondary School (Mr. Swale..now in Texas)followed by the Teacher's training College. Harish taught for a little while in Umbuji. Zanzibar has such special meaning for so many of us...we keep in touch with some Bohora friends... Fakruddin Adamji is a physician in the Chicago area...and some Goan friends like the Maitras...I got their e-mails from your guest book and it was good to say hi to them again.....Also thanks a million for forwarding my message to Aziz Fazal...I got an e-mail from him and thanks to you, we have been able to re-connect after 37 years. No small feat in these huge world and with the passage of so much time... We could talk to you forever about Zazibar..we should try to put together an address book of the Zanzibaris of that golden age. Thanks. How's your brother Master Sharif and Mr. Hassuji and Mr. Ibrahim Jaffer.... We will stay in touch. | |
| November 26th 2001 | |
| Dinesh Pandya | Rockford. IL 61107 |
| Mr. Fazal: I have enjoyed your website. It brought back many memories of Zanzibar for myself and my brothers. We also grew up in Zanzibar. My father Chhaganlal Pandya owned the paanpati shop under Arya Samaj on the Portuguese Street. Your brother Master Shariff was my teacher in 3rd Grade at ESM... you would be the contemporary of my older brother Raju or Harish....Your memoirs evoked many fond memories....Are you related to Aziz Fazal? Aziz was my classmate in Ben Bella High School. Drop me a line to my e-mail if you can. Best regards, Dinesh Pandya | |
| November 22nd 2001 | |
| Hashim Saleh Hashim | Dubai, UAE |
| Salaam, Abdulrazaka Just want to let u know that i'm back here in Dubai. I got your email long time ago when i was in USA. Plz, let me know when u do have a new article about Zanzibar. Wassalaam Always Brother Hashim | |
| November 20th 2001 | |
| MANSOOR KARIMJEE | DARESSALAAM, TANZANIA. |
| Very interesting and descriptive material. Thanks for bringing the good old memories back. | |
| November 13th 2001 | |
| Hashim Saleh | Dubai, UAE |
| I was reading your article about Zanzibar but the same time I felt like I was there myself eating those mbatata and Bajias at Fordhani. I have to tell you that your article is worth it to read many times specially when one feels lonley. I thank you for that. Keep it up | |
| November 5th 2001 | |
| Muhsin Alidina | Briarwood,Queens,New York, USA |
| Abdulrazak this is simply exquisite and nostalgic. Your penmanship is admirable and your memory for details enviable.Keep it up. | |
| November 5th 2001 | |
| Noorelain Shariff | Tanzania |
| after visiting the site as also being a zanzibarian and being young and had not memories of zanzibar, after visiting your site I learnt more things that some of them I had heard from my parents, especially for your information I am a grandson of masi bajia, whom you have mentioned in your article about zanzibar, and son of marhum Hassan Gulamhussein Shariff | |
| October 26th 2001 | |
| Abdullah Moh'd al-Kindy | Muscat, Sultanate of Oman |
| Your website is informative and well understood. Abdulrazak, welcome to Muscat, you will never get lost here, there are narrow streets exactly like Zanzibar and look alike buildings, it's amazing! Kiswahili is widely spoken here almost everywhere, not to forget Zanzibar food like sambusa, mbatata za urojo (but not like Adinani), bajia, sugar-cane juice, haluwa etc, you name it & it's right infront of you. All types of tropical fruits are available, we get some agricultural items freshly flown from Zanzibar. Also we have Zanzibarians (Indians) those whom we lived with them side by side in Zanzibar during good old sweet days, they do various businesses, shops, restaurants, sonaras etc. and we all speak Kiswahili so that we feel a bit part of Zanzibari life here. In other words Zanzibar was Sultanate of Oman & Zanzibar at that time. It's still in our hearts & minds, though we don't live in Zanzibar but we still live Zanzibarian life style & we will continue living this civilised way till the end of this universe. Also among other Zanzibarian communities who emigrated here are Commorians(Wangazija), Washihiri, Chotaras, WaAfrica (waswahili from Unguja & Pemba), Goans, Parses, Khojas, Bohoras, Khumbharos, Iranians, I think I can't name them all. But most of them are living again here side by side like Zanzibar. God bless you all and keep it up! | |
| October 25th 2001 | |
| Anita Maitra | Milwaukee USA |
| I am always interested in Zanzibar, you are a kindred spirit. | |
| October 25th 2001 | |
| NAJAFALI NAYANI | USA |
| Wonderful Job done. really it was worth going through. Please do not forget to recite sura e fateha for all those whom you have mentioned and passed away. By the way we are still enjoying Duriani here in New York.Please come and give us company. Swahili is the main language spoken in the gathering in mosque. You will enjoy. | |
| October 4th 2001 | |
| Aliasgar Jaffer Devjee | Richmond Hill, Ontario. Canada |
| I must say you have done a very great job in Keeping the History alive. May I request you one thing. Have you got by chance the Picture of My Father Marhum Jaffer Dewji, if you have can you please send me through e-mail. | |
| October 4th 2001 | |
| Hussein Datoo | Tanzania |
| WELL,WELL, Memories are made of this.. You have done a wonderful job.. Keep it up.. Your journalistic talent is commendable..Salaams Hussein Datoo Vision Plus Dar es salaam. | |
| October 4th 2001 | |
| Nisar Sheraly | Toronto, Canada |
| "Ndugu Abdulrazak, I saw your site and also learnt that Sir Don is gone as I watched it on BBC World News. They say ""old order changeth, yielding place to new"". I did not see much of my father's(Sheraly Meghji, 'Ndege') game. I remember when he hit a six and I went to our grey Austin car 1214 and started honking and he started coming towards the pavilion. I thought he was coming to admonish me but it was his announcement of his retirement. He then went back and continued to play. I also remember sitting on the frame of his bicycle with him returning home from Smith Mackenzie and he would get down to salute the Sultan Seyyid Khalifa who knew him very well through cricket. Seyyid Khalifa also used to stop his vermillon car driven by askari in khakhi and red kizibao and red tarbushi cap and watch my father play. Those were the days. They are but memories." | |
| October 3rd 2001 | |
| Umed Hirji Gohil | Montreal-Canada |
| I read your memories-very interesting. I also went to ESM school. I remember during recess time Adinani would rush to the school for students to have his mbatata. Is he still alive? I used to write to him. You may be knowing my brother who is in Montreal now. He had a shoe repair shop at Portuguese Street, opposite Rati Balsara who published the paper 'Adal Insaaf' and had a lino type machine. Thanks for the memories. | |
| September 22nd 2001 | |
| Tony Antao | Milwaukee, USA |
| Good writing, it made me homesick. I lived on Kiponda street, just opposite the Ithnashri mosque, downstairs there was library. My uncle had a tailoring shop across there beside Abedi, I miss those samosas of Abedi. I grew up there at my uncle's place from 1948 to 1962 going to school at St. Joseph's convent school. Oh: those good old days. I came to USA on a scholarship and stayed here as the revolution made it difficult for me to go back. However, I did visit Zanzibar with my children in 1992. The place had changed from the memories I had when I was a kid. Presently I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am married to Dr. Maitra's daughter, her father used to practice medicine in Zanzibar. Keep in touch. | |
| September 20th 2001 | |
| Mohamed Lodhi | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Thanks Nabeel, May Allah Bless You. You took me down the memory lane.The best site on Zanzibar I have come across. You have done a wonderful job. You forgot teachers like Juma Aley, Abdullah Farhan, Madan and Jesawala, Peera was younger generation. What about Master Mohamed Musa Patel, Ibrahim Jaffer, Hashim Ismail and Hassuji of ESM ? The majestic buildings which make Zanzibar unique were the works of Kumbharos, the Cutchi Sunnis. Who were also the seafarers on whose dhows the Asian sailed to East Africa. The dispensary is not a hotel, its a cultural center with shops restaurants etc. Renowated by Agakhan, who also took over the old Cable and Wireless building and transformed it into Zanzibar Serena Hotel. The Zanzibaris will always treasure the memories of Zanzibar that is no more and many of us will pass it on to future generation. Found mail add of old friends, Nisar and Prof Alidina, where is Yusuf Kabana? Please pass on his add to me. Best wishes. Mohamed Lodhi | |
| September 20th 2001 | |
| Gulamhusain.S. Ahmed(Babu) | Abu Dhabi-UAE |
| Brother Abdulrazak, Salaams. Inshallah I hope you are fine and well. I was wondering who was Nabeel Fazel. Now you have solved the mystery for me. I myself have not yet read the other articles but 2 people did and were very very impressed. Your articles have always been masterpieces, and timely. Someone has to go through the painstaking effort of documenting our history and you did it. Jazakallah Khairan. What is even more exciting to learn is the fact that you being in the 3rd world underdeveloped country you are successfully and effectively using modern tools(internet, computer and email) to do your work and to share it lillah-this is a blessing-a contribution to your aakibat and a dua(a wasila) for the maghfirat to your parents who equipped you with the love of Ahlebait a.s. May Allah bless them all. | |
| August 4th 2001 | |
| Mohamed Moledina | Mississauga, Ontario L5L 3E1, Canada |
| Dear Mr. Fazel: This is an excelent website. It contains very valuable information. I have thoroughly enjoyed. I am very puzzled. I do not recall you. I am form Zanzibar and left just after the revolution which will be early 1964. I recall all others names you have mention e.g. Bali and Nargisbai wife of Turab but not you. All the best, please keep-up the good work. | |
| August 2nd 2001 | |
| Najafali Dhala | Dsm,Tanzania |
| Excellent effort | |
| July 7th 2001 | |
| Ibrahim Marashi | Oxford UK |
| This site is very impressive, I recently was awarded a grant by Oxford University to conduct research about the Shi'a alims in Zanzibar and this site is of invaluable aid. I recently took a trip to Zanzibar to collect information about my grandfather marhum sayyid Hassan Marashi as well as my Great grand father Marhum Abdul Hussain Marashi and this site gave me information that I was unable to attain in Zanzibar itself! I will reccomend this site to anyone here in England doing research on East Africa, Ibrahim | |
| June 28th 2001 | |
| EBRAHIM G. DHALA | tanzania |
| THANKS I READ THE HISTORY OF OUR FOREFATHERS AND WISH U SUCCESS IN YOUR HOBBY. I WILL GO ON THE SITE FOR FURTHER SEARCH. | |
| June 16th 2001 | |
| Barghash | |
| Wonderful site! All the Zanzibar information is priceless. Thanks for doing this. | |
| June 10th 2001 | |
| AMIN SIWJI HAJI | ZANZIBAR |
| salaams, it is the best page and educational to our kids ever seen ,keep it up for the good job done .Almighty GOD will reward you and all those who have given you a helping hand. | |
| June 5th 2001 | |
| Hassan Peera | Ossining New York USA |
| Its a wonderful site. | |
| June 1st 2001 | |
| mehdilalji | Dar Tanzania |
| Assalamun alaikum | |
| May 25th 2001 | |
| mohamedraza khalfan | new york, u.s.a. |
| Allow me to congratulate you for your courage, dedication and vision for a job well done. Your in-depth analysis of events described and portrayed is truly enviable. Furthermore, your inclusion of photographs & image renderings puts the whole message in focus, & makes it all the more interesting. | |
| May 21st 2001 | |
| Mohamed Abdulghafoor (Surti Bohara) | Canada |
| Brother A'Razak You are someone who knows the sweet and the beauty of the Island in the past and its allmost gone.Thanks for reminding a lot of Zanzibari how the life was all about in this beatifull Zanzibar. | |
| May 20th 2001 | |
| Ali Rashid Salim | Leicester, United Kingdom and Zanzibar |
| We know all we have to die, but a death of a hero lingers on in a memory forever, especially in a country like Zanzibar, where heroes have gone with all charms and strengths that made Zanzibar a powerful glittering Island State in the flamboyant Indian Ocean. Thus to me reading the orbituary of the late Sheikh Juma Aley as presented in this website, makes my eyes full of tears and my heart trembling.Not only for this story about cricket between Pakistan and Zanzibar in the 50s, but also to all which have perished including the Island's respect and dignity! Will it be possible that Zanzibar can have again such a nice time? GOD KNOWS THE BSET Ali Rashid Salim Al-Bahsany UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER< UK | |
| May 16th 2001 | |
| Jamal Yousuf Jaffar (Agha) | Muscat - Sultanate of Oman |
| Thank you very much Mr. Abdurazak Fazal for brushing our memory and remind us of our old days in Zanzibar, what a pity that we all Jangbari are now leave in different part of the world. You have taken a lot of your time travelling around the world and also writting all what is in your homepage, MY ONLY ADVISE to you as a brother, still is not too late for you to go for HAJJ, I know people of age of 90 and above and handicapped too are still going to HAJJ , so it is not too late for you my brother , this is the only chance for us to repent from Almighty God, once we depart from this universe there will be no coming back, and regret will not help us except fire will wait for us in the day of judgement. My dear brother please don't leave this opportunity , we are on the journey for few years only in this world. Your brother from Muscat - Oman Jamal Yousuf Jaffar (Agha) | |
| May 14th 2001 | |
| Ali Rashid | Leicester/England |
| Soon as i was going through the obituary on Juma Aley tears began to run from my eyes. The past and only the past tells us how powerful the little Zanzibar was. If the top Pakistani cricketers of that time complemented Zanzibar, it makes me wonder how paradisiac Zanzibar was! It is a pity that it was torn off from the world arena. Juma Aley's story gives us more insight than mere cricket. May God bless you. | |
| May 14th 2001 | |
| Jaffar Juma | Zanzibar, Tanzania |
| It is both interesting and impressive | |
| May 14th 2001 | |
| Juma A. Hamad | Zanzibar / TANZANIA |
| A job well done. Thank you and keep it up. | |
| May 13th 2001 | |
| batul dhala | Kingston,Ontario,Canada |
| "I really enjoyed going through the website. Just talking about it took me back to the days in Zanzibar , the visits to your home and family. I rememeber your dad and his uncle and all the memebers of your family and remeber you as the boy who used to be given ""matchi jo tel "" because you were so weak!!!!!!and i can't believe that you are supposed to be my uncle. salaams to Mum,Dolly Samira and nabil. With duas batul" | |
| May 2nd 2001 | |
| Mohamed Raza Dungersi | NEW YORK /USA |
| Abdul Razak has done the Khoja Community a magnificent service, portraying the highlights of the diverse and dominant developmental forces that underlie this minor but vital and vibrant Shia Muslim entity. I feel that people like Abdul Razak be encouraged and motivated morally and materially to enhance their efforts in undertaking such efforts. | |
| April 28th 2001 | |
| Arif Peera (Miwani Mdogo II) | USA |
| "Wasn't it Vasco da Gama that said the best way to find Zanzibar was by smelling your way to? Add ""surfing"" to the list of ways to find Zanzibar! Compliments on a fine piece of work. You are truly a lover of the Spice Island. I enjoyed going through your site, and will hit it quite frequently, I'm sure. " | |
| April 14th 2001 | |
| Akil Husein Ahmed (Dr Who Jr) | Dar es Salaam |
| AF, This website reminds me of the past, they say Memories are treasure no one can steal and death is a wound no one can heal, It is one of the best things to remember the ones who are no more with us and current crop of players who are now in semi-retiring stage and some are legends already. It would be nice to add a few names of Saidi Nyanya, Raza Nathoo etc true union faithfuls ... Just wanted to add a few lines about my beloved father Dr. Who who has served Union Sports Club as Physician since 1979 when Union SC for the first time participated in the UNIMET Cup held in Zambia, all the credit towards my father's popularity goes to none other than Late Yusuf Dhalla. He carried on being the USC Physician till 1996, and then hung up his medical bag. The twilight of his sports physician career was, when he was choosen to be the Sports Physician of the East and Central African Team which participated the Mini World Cup which was held in Nairobi Kenya (1994). He visited a number of East and Central African Countries with both Union and the National Team. Apart of being committed towards USC, he also dedicated his life towards the community, and one of the top most priority was to serve people with all medical needs and affairs. You could wake him up late night or just stop him on the way, he is ever ready to give you a helping hand The other factor, which made him a household name was his devotion towards the Azadari of Imam Husain (A.S) On the other side of the coin, I did visit the city of gardens and city of sails, that is the Christchurch and Auckland ( New Zealand ), I did get the opportunity to visit the Jade Stadium (Lancaster Park) and Eden Park, where we will all recall the extra-ordinary victory which Pakistan had over the New Zealanders, when the young and hefty looking Inzamamul Haq made the NZ balling attack look just normal with his massive hitting and impressive score of 60 in 38 balls. Let us all recite Sura-E- Fateha for all who are no more with us ... God Bless U AF and Keep it up with the Good Work ... | |
| April 14th 2001 | |
| MOHAMED NATHOO | DARESSAAM/TANZANIA |
| Abdul's article on Zanzibar is very refreshing especially for those who were there during the sweet days at the island. Abdul, you always appreciated me with my cricket bat and I admire you with your flow of pen. | |
| April 11th 2001 | |
| Mazaher Kermally | Anaheim Hills, CA92808 |
| I really enjoyed going thru it and am very excited about it, I'll complete surfing the whole bit at a later time. Its very well designed. Being from Mkunazini (Msikiti Gofu) myself it did bring back a lot of memories. Keep up the good work and keep it coming 714-685-1226 | |
| April 1st 2001 | |
| Ukera | Chino Hills, California (Los Angeles) |
| How come I don't recall you. I and many know for sure that all the maalims in Zanzibra tought me Qur'an, eventually they would tend to forget, may Allah bless them all abundantly. Anyway best of luck, and I look forward to reading your articles, by the way, where are they? If you are interested in old articles from the first years of Rah-e-Najaat, Salsabeel, Chaudmi Sadi, Muhib, or Khoja Ruttant, let me know, I will be glad to share them with you. Wa Minallhit Taufeeq. | |
| April 1st 2001 | |
| Ahmed H.K.Daya | Moshi - Tanzania |
| Dear Abdulrazak, Your site on 'Recollections' is pure nostalgia. There was a time when the community in Moshi was also much larger than today. Alas it has now dwindled to a fifth of its former size. However, the past Moshi inhabitants, wherever they may be, ought to remember our beautiful mosque, so picturesque and serene with those splendid insertions of Allah's names inside the mosque and outside it His naturalness and the relentless chirping of birds. Besides, the beautious snow capped Kilimanjaro in the background makes our mosque, though small in size, a heavenly place and one of the finest built in our community. | |
| March 22nd 2001 | |
| Mohamed Abdulla Khalfan | Dar es Salaam |
| Imaginative, typical of your calibre of enthusiasm and journalistic aptitude. You come from a very large family whose family tree is known past many generations. Your close and distant relatives, large in numbers, can benefit from your informative site. | |
| March 18th 2001 | |
| Mahmood Hussein Nasserali Fazal | Toronto, Canada |
| "I have just finished going through the articles that I had printed from your site. Excellent work! I have always enjoyed reading Abdulrazak's articles. It is good to see the various articles all at one place. I now hope to provide a link to our own Family Tree websites. Abdulrazak - you are gifted when it comes to relating the ""good old memories"" and relating ""the good old days"". You do it so well! Keep up the good work! Mahmood" | |
| March 1st 2001 | |
| Salim Damji | Dubai |
| WELL DONE FOR THE EXCELLENT WORK.YOU DESERVE A PAT AT THE BACK. MABROOK | |
| March 1st 2001 | |
| Abdulhussain Tejani | Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania |
| Excellent site Nabeel. Keep up the great work. Look forward to seeing regular updates between yourself and your Dad. | |
| February 16th 2001 | |
| Mohsin Adamjee(Kayzar) | Daressalaam/Tanzania |
| Hi Fazal! Thanks for the limra photograph. Remember those lunch and tea at the ground, mazungumzo, Raja's prakram, Kutbuddin's chakka and eventually after our defeats going back home in sulks. Fazal, at times I wish you were a Bohora and relish bondo and our sumptuous dariz. You are really missing khurdi, magio, malido and my favourite DCP(daal-chaval-palidu). Best wishes. | |
| February 6th 2001 | |
| Amir Lakhani | Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania |
| Good job Nabeel! i expected your pic too as u deserve the credit for the good job! keep it up. am into designing my own webpage and i might need ur help! | |
| February 1st 2001 | |
| Bashir Ramzan | Toronto, Canada |
| Hi Fazal, an excellent site. Please keep up the good work. Will surely hit it often. Thanx and regardz. Bashir Ramzan | |
| January 21st 2001 | |
| Yusuf M. Kermalli | Thornhill. Ontario. CANADA |
| Salaam Allaikoom. You may not remember me but I will give you a brief note on myself. I am Yusuf Kermalli, the son of Mohamedhussein Kermalli and Fizzabai Hassan Virji (you mother knows her very well). I remember you and your brother Husein and your mom. I studied at Gamal Abdel Nasser Sec. Technical School after the finishing at Sir Euan Smith Madressa. Then I worked at the Cable and Wireless after I graduated from the Secondary school. Just to add some information. In Zanzibar and Pemba there an allotment of 90 students to the government schools in the secondary level and not 60 as per your information. 60 students went to grammer school and 30 went to the technical school. After passing the entrance examination those who had higher marks in Mathametics were sent to the Secondary Technical School in Beit El Ras, 3.5 miles north of the town. I spent 4 years until I sat for the Cambridge Overseas Examination. We had different subjects ie Maths, English, Physics, Chemistry, Woodwork and Metalwork. These subjects prepared us for technical careers. I really enjoyed surfing on your site and keep up the good work. If you need any information to update your site, feel free to email me questions. Thanks you and wassalaam Yusuf and please convey my salaams to your mom and brother Husein | |
| January 16th 2001 | |
| Nasir Fazal | UK |
| Just read your first Chapter on Zanzibar - memories came rushing back! Thanks for the memories. | |
| January 6th 2001 | |
| AMIR GULAMHUSEIN DEDHAR | TANZANIA |
| January 4th 2001 | |
| Abdul N. Dhala | Dar es salaam.--- Tanzania |
| WONDERFUL JOB. Nice to have known you since Mulla Bai Amena's Quran classes in Zanzibar. (some 40 years back.) | |
| December 31st 2000 | |
| Amin N. Dhala | Los Angeles --- California 90232 |
| EXCELLENT WORK. KEEP IT UP. | |
| December 31st 2000 | |
| Aunali Khalfan | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania |
| keep up the good work..congratulations!Aunali | |
| December 28th 2000 | |
| Farzana & Naila | Tanzania |
| Lovely site!! The articles are really interesting, we had fun reading thru it all! :) | |
| December 27th 2000 | |
| Nargis Jaffer | New York, New York |
| We miss you all. Hope to see you next year. Happy New Year! | |
| December 27th 2000 | |
| sameera | tanzania |
| mmmmmmmmmmmmm ONE COMMENT ONLY.......NABEEL U'VE DONE AFABULOUS JOB KEEP UP THE GOODWORK..N YEAH DAD THE ARTICLES.R SUPERB.........I THINK U SHOULD WORK FOR THE WHITE HOUSE ..HEY NAB'S DONT FORGET TO TEACH ME HOW TO MAKE MY OWN WEBSITE OK.PROMISE DUH!!!!! | |
| December 27th 2000 | |
| Shiraz & Roxanne | London |
| We have just had a browse through your site...the layout is really good! (I think Shiraz could take a few tips from you!!) We are really interested by your articles, can't wait to read more. | |
| December 26th 2000 | |