- Kilwa, also known as Kilwa Kisiwani, is an ancient city located on an island off the southern coast of Tanzania in East Africa. It was one of the most powerful city-states in the Swahili Coast during the medieval period.
- Kilwa was established in the 9th century and became a major trading hub and center of Islam in East Africa. Its strategic location on the Indian Ocean allowed it to prosper through trade with various civilizations, including Persians, Arabs, and Chinese. The city was famous for its gold, ivory, pearls, spices, and slave trade.
- During its peak in the 13th and 14th centuries, Kilwa was ruled by the Sultanate of Kilwa, which controlled a vast territory along the East African coast. The sultans built magnificent stone structures, including palaces, mosques, and a defensive fortification known as the Great Mosque.
- Kilwa reached its height of prosperity and prominence under the reign of Sultan al-Hasan ibn Sulaiman in the 14th century. However, the city's wealth also attracted the attention of European powers, particularly the Portuguese, who sought to control the lucrative trade routes in the region.
- In the early 16th century, the Portuguese attacked and besieged Kilwa, leading to its decline. The city was abandoned and largely forgotten until it was rediscovered by European explorers in the 19th century. Today, Kilwa is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its ruins attract tourists interested in its rich history and architectural treasures.