What is today seen as typically Swahili architecture is still very visible in the thriving urban centers of Mombasa, Lamu and Malindi in Kenya and Songo Mnara, Kilwa Kisiwani, and Zanzibar in Tanzania. The distribution of Swahili architecture and towns provides important clues about trade relationships among different regions and societal systems. Exotic ornament and design elements also connect the architecture of the Swahili coast to other Islamic port cities.
The architectural style prevalent today in Swahili areas is still evident in prominent urban centers like Mombasa, Lamu, and Malindi in Kenya, as well as Songo Mnara, Kilwa Kisiwani, and Zanzibar in Tanzania. The distribution of these towns and their architecture offers valuable clues about trade networks and social systems within the region.  The use of exotic ornamentation and design elements connects Swahili coastal architecture to other Islamic port cities.