Zanzibar’s history is a rich blend of trade, colonization, and cultural fusion. It was a major hub for the Indian Ocean trade, attracting Arab, Persian, Indian, and European merchants. The island became a center for the spice trade, particularly cloves, and the tragic slave trade. In the 19th century, Zanzibar was under Omani rule, and Stone Town flourished as a cultural and economic center. The British took control in 1890, and Zanzibar gained independence in 1963 before merging with Tanganyika to form Tanzania in 1964. The 1964 Zanzibar Revolution marked the end of Arab dominance and the beginning of a new era. Today, Zanzibar is a vibrant blend of Swahili, Arab, and African influences.