Photograph Zanzibar Doors – And Capture the Spirit of Stone Town. Zanzibar's Stone Town is a real treat for a photographer, but especially for all the door lovers out there. Stone Town should be marketed as Instagram addict's paradise destination, as pastel-colored wooden doors make just a perfect background for rustic urban scenes. Get inspired with our door idea gallery. From beautiful exterior doors to warm, inviting interior doors, there are nearly limitless door design options available.
Let's talk history. You probably know your personal history fairly well. (If not, there are probably better things for you to do with your time than read this post!). You may know your country's history to some extent. Some people really get into the history of war. Perhaps you majored in art history. (Once more, that probably means you have better things to be doing, such as polishing your résumé. But do you know the history of doors? Okay, I heard that! So, it's not the most fascinating journey into history that you can take. But, trust me, it beats the pants off of the history of swine flu. For instance:
Okay, so maybe that one falls under the category of fake news. Or, as those of us in the history arena like to say, 'It stretches the bounds of historical literacy.' The true history of doors offers its own surprises. For example, how large was the door on Noah's Ark? Okay, I really don't know and even if I did, you probably don't know your cubits from a yardstick. But I have used my extensive research skills in uncovering the true history of doors—at least from a historical records perspective. Take a look and let me know what you think. If you prefer, we could even discuss the swine flu. But I gotta tell ya, it's a short journey from H1N1 to H2N3.
- 3000 BC: Wooden doors used in Europe.
- 2000 BC: Stone doors used throughout Asia.
- 587 BC: Solomon uses Olive wood overlaid with gold for his temple in Jerusalem.
- 1st Century AD: Roman folding and sliding doors preserved in Pompeii.
- 1st Century AD: A Greek scholar invents the first automatic door.
- 5th Century AD: The First foot-sensor-activated automatic door was made in China.
- 6th – 9th Century AD: Copper and Bronze used on doors in Medieval Europe.
- 12th – 15th Century AD: Ornate panel and carved wood doors grace the best structures.
- 1881 AD: The revolving door invented in Germany.
- 1909 AD: An American chemist invents the world's first synthetic plastic (polymer).
- 1932 AD: A researcher at Owens-Illinois creates mass production of glass strands (fiberglass).
- 1970s AD: Polymer production surpasses the production of steel worldwide.
- 1981 AD: Special-Lite introduces the world's first FRP (fiber reinforced polymer) door.
The Zanzibar doors are a key talking point when you visit the island. When you stroll through the crumbling streets of Stone Town, your impression may flit between two trains of thought. Is this a town that's in serious disrepair? Or is this an incredible time capsule of mysterious beauty and faded grandeur?
Personally, I think both are true. In some lights, Stone Town looks sad and beaten. Yet the more you explore, the more you will appreciate its unique character and precious historical quality.
And a lot of that is down to these beautiful doors.
Three centuries on from when Stone Town's historical buildings first emerged, it's been recognised that this UNESCO World Heritage Site needs to be preserved.
Crack plugin alliance. The sad news is that the number of original Zanzibar doors is dwindling. Restoration is slow due to lack of funds and apparently, many have been removed.
That said, I witnessed some signs of restoration when I visited Stone Town which is good news for both the people who visit and the Zanzibari locals who live here.
Many of the famed Zanzibar doors represent a time when rich aristocrats on the island thrived off a brutal slave trade, but the beautiful carvings also tell many stories of the Omani Arabic, Indian and Swahili cultures that still exist here.
There's no denying, they're one of the most photographed attractions for travellers to Stone Town. And the restoration programme itself, is helping create jobs for local people.
They've become a hallmark for this intriguing part of East Africa and were one of the sights that captured my attention most while we explored Stone Town's frenetic streets.
What's so interesting about these doors is that their characteristics and detail tell many stories depending on which culture they originate from.
Here's a little explanation…
Zanzibar Doors – the different cultural influences
Swahili Doors
The Swahili doors are perhaps the least elaborate, but equally intriguing. I didn't capture many pictures of the Swahili doors to be honest. However, I did snap this example of the colourful doors you'll find in and around Jaws Corner, a photographer's dream.
Indian Doors
You'll recognise the Indian doors with their arched frames and elaborate brass studs. Some of the Punjabi-influenced doors are also arched at the top.
There are many explanations for why the Indian doors boast those elaborate studs. Some say they derive from a design used in India that stopped the door being damaged by elephants. Another says that the studs are a symbol of wealth – the more studs you have, the more prestigious or wealthy you are.
Swahili Doors
The Swahili doors are perhaps the least elaborate, but equally intriguing. I didn't capture many pictures of the Swahili doors to be honest. However, I did snap this example of the colourful doors you'll find in and around Jaws Corner, a photographer's dream.
Indian Doors
You'll recognise the Indian doors with their arched frames and elaborate brass studs. Some of the Punjabi-influenced doors are also arched at the top.
There are many explanations for why the Indian doors boast those elaborate studs. Some say they derive from a design used in India that stopped the door being damaged by elephants. Another says that the studs are a symbol of wealth – the more studs you have, the more prestigious or wealthy you are.
It's likely, the reason is a combination of the two but these days, of course, the studs are purely aesthetic as there are no elephants in Zanzibar. I love that there's a story behind them though.
Arabic doors
The Omani Arabic doors can be distinguished by their rectangular shape and intricate carvings, many symbolising inscriptions form the Quran. In a similar way that the brass studs represent wealth in the Indian doors, the more intricate the carvings of the Arabic doors, the more socially ‘prestigious' the owners were.
Another characteristic you may spot when you're exploring the streets of Stone Town is that some Zanzibar doors display chain carvings which indicate that the home was occupied by people working in the slave trade. Those in the fishing industry may have had fish carvings on their doors and interestingly, vines symbolise residents who worked in the island's famed spice trade.
There are many other symbols you may pick up on and find out your own stories while you're there.
I tell you what, it makes many of our own front doors look rather dull, doesn't it?!
The Doors Of Stone Pdf Online
I do hope the restoration project carries on and these pieces of history continue to be preserved.
The Doors Of Stone Pdf File
Have you been to Stone Town and did you explore the famous Zanzibar doors? Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments here.
The Doors Of Stone Patrick Rothfuss
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