History of Paradise Lost
The Shirazi region, and the entire South Coast was a route for shipping and dhow trade both from Swahili settlements in the north and southwards to Zanzibar. Dhows were drawn south by the monsoonal winds (the Kaskazi) from November to April, and then returned north by the winds (the Kusi) from June to September. This route became a major source of ivory, slaves, spices and shells, and by the 9th and 10th centuries Omani and Persian trading outposts began to appear along the coast.
In the 11th Century, Hassan Bin Ali, a trader from Persia settled in this region and named the area after his home in Shiraz. He established a trading post here, and built a small town.
Intermarriage with the indigenous coastal tribes began to create a new and unique culture blending Arab influence and African language and customs. Soon this culture had a name, derived from the plural of the Arab word Sahel (coast) - Swahili.
Swahili towns grew and developed their own traditional structures, often located in forests and estuaries, with narrow streets between houses, markets, mosques and elaborate tombs and cemeteries.
After establishing Shirazi, Bin Ali eventually moved south to Kilwa, near Zanzibar, and his small Swahili settlement prospered.
Then, in 1498 the Portuguese explorer, Vasco de Gama, arrived in the area, and a battle for control of the coast between the Portuguese and Omanis began. This struggle lasted for 400 years, and the ongoing wars and changes in trade routes saw many small towns, such as Shirazi, fade and decline.
Today all that remains of the original settlement is the ruins of the mosque and some pillars and stone walls, nested among the trees at Paradise Lost.
To experience the history of this area firsthand, stay at Paradise Lost or join one of our day dhow excursions or Magharibi sunset cruises.
