Anglo-Zanzibar War sovereign state and the start of a period of heavy British influence. Zanzibar was an island country in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanganyika; today it forms part of Tanzania. The main island, Unguja (or Zanzibar Island), had been under the nominal control of the Sultans of Oman since 1698 when they expelled the Portuguese settlers who had claimed it in 1499. Sultan Majid bin Said declared the island independent of Oman in 1858, which was recognised by Great Britain, and split the sultanate from that of Oman. Barghash bin Said, the second sultan and Khalid's father, had
Islam in Zanzibar Islam in Zanzibar Islam is the most prominent religion on the island of Zanzibar. According to the CIA Factbook, more than 99% in the island are Muslim. The vast majority of Muslims in Zanzibar are Sunni of Shafi'i school of jurisprudence with minority Ibadi, Ismaili and Twelver Shia. Islam came to Zanzibar in the 8th century. There is also a presence of Ahmadi Muslims in Zanzibar. According to one source, "Islam in Zanzibar inspired anti-colonialism, political movements and nationalistic struggle for independence." Other Muslim clerics include members of the Uamsho (the Association for Islamic Mobilisation and Propagation), whose mission is