DUNGA RUINS
The Dunga Palace, built around 1845, was the palace of the last Afro-Shirazian king of the island, Mohammed bin Ahmed el Alawi.
Dunga is a small village equidistant from Chwaka Bay and Stone Town (approx. 15 km). It's a peaceful village with some interesting, little-visited ruins: the Dunga Palace. Built around 1845, it was the palace of the island's last Afro-Shiraz king, Mohammed bin Ahmed el Alawi. It was named after the dynasty of Shirazi kings who emerged from Persian colonization in the 10thcentury , heirs to the great chief ("Mwinyi Mkuu" in Swahili), who ruled the island for 60 generations even under Portuguese, Arab and British domination. An impressive two-storey structure existed here, with mosque, baths and house. The palace was abandoned; there are a few walls still standing, the beginnings of a few staircases, but nothing impressive. The king lived here until his death in 1865, when his 15-year-old son Ahmed was declared ruler in his place, but soon died of smallpox. His two daughters married wealthy Arab merchants and the dynasty was lost. Magic djembes carved from mango wood and engraved with Arabic inscriptions were used by the king during his reign, according to ancient beliefs. They are on display at the House of Wonders museum in Stone Town. According to legend, some slaves were buried alive in the foundations, others killed during the palace's construction, their blood mixed with mortar to consolidate the walls. Those who refused orders were thrown into a pit. In 1914, human remains were excavated on the site.
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