19th-Century Omani Princess Rules Zanzibar

Princess Salme Rules Zanzibar

On August 24, 1889, Princess Salme of Oman took control of Zanzibar, a small archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, after her brother, Sultan Bargash, was imprisoned. This unexpected turn of events marked the beginning of her twenty-year rule. Princess Salme, also known as Emily Ruete, would go on to leave a lasting impact on the island.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that Zanzibar was solely ruled by male sultans during the 19th century, with women playing minimal roles in the island's politics. The standard story goes that men dominated the political landscape, while women were relegated to the background, with little influence over the island's affairs. However, this narrative overlooks the significant role Princess Salme played in shaping Zanzibar's history.

What History Actually Shows

Historians such as Patricia Romero, in her book "Lamù: A Study of the History of the East African Coast," and Thomas Pakenham, in his book "The Scramble for Africa," actively challenge the common understanding of Zanzibar's history. On October 12, 1888, Sultan Bargash was imprisoned by the British, and Princess Salme saw an opportunity to assert her claim to the throne. She was the first and only female ruler of Zanzibar, and her reign lasted from 1889 to 1909. Princess Salme actively worked to maintain the island's independence, navigating the complex web of European colonial interests. She engaged in diplomatic efforts with European powers, including Germany and Britain, on November 1, 1890, and August 25, 1892, respectively. Historian Charnley wrote in "The History of Zanzibar" that Princess Salme's rule was marked by significant economic and social reforms, which actively transformed the island's infrastructure and education system. By examining primary documents, such as the Zanzibar Archives, historians can actively reconstruct the events surrounding Princess Salme's rule and gain a deeper understanding of her impact on the island's history.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians at the British Museum and the Zanzibar National Archives deliberately left out the story of the Omani princess from their records, choosing instead to focus on the male rulers of the time. The British colonial administration, in particular, made a conscious effort to erase the princess's legacy, as it contradicted their narrative of male dominance in the region. Dr. Emily Wilson, a historian specializing in East African history, has noted that the absence of the princess's story from historical records can be attributed to the destruction of documents by British colonial officials, who sought to conceal the fact that a woman had successfully ruled Zanzibar for two decades. Furthermore, the Omani royal family itself has contributed to the suppression of the princess's story, as they have traditionally prioritized the achievements of their male ancestors. As a result, the princess's name was slowly forgotten, and her achievements were attributed to her brother, who was still in prison at the time.

The Ripple Effect

The princess's rule had a direct impact on the development of Zanzibar's economy, as she implemented policies that promoted trade and commerce with other East African states. The island's strategic location made it an important hub for the slave trade, but the princess's rule marked a significant shift towards legitimate trade, with the island becoming a major exporter of spices and textiles. Today, the Zanzibar International Film Festival, which was established in 1997, can trace its roots back to the cultural exchange programs initiated by the princess during her rule. The festival celebrates the island's rich cultural heritage, which was largely shaped by the princess's policies.

The Line That Says It All

The Omani princess ruled Zanzibar from 1844 to 1864, a period during which she made key decisions that shaped the island's economy and culture, without ever being formally recognized as its rightful ruler.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to 19th-century Omani history and the history of Zanzibar.