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Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara

Tanzania, United Republic of
Date of Inscription: 1981
Criteria: (iii)
Lindi Region, District of Kilwa
S8 57 28.008 E39 31 22.008
Ref: 144

Inscription Year on the List of World Heritage in Danger: 2004

Brief Description

The remains of two great East African ports admired by early European explorers are situated on two small islands near the coast. From the 13th to the 16th century, the merchants of Kilwa dealt in gold, silver, pearls, perfumes, Arabian crockery, Persian earthenware and Chinese porcelain; much of the trade in the Indian Ocean thus passed through their hands.

| Ron Van Oers © UNESCO More pictures ...
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