Qviloa, also known as Kilwa, is one of the Oldest Town Found on the coast of the Indian Ocean. It is located in the South Eastern Coastline of Tanzania. Kilwa is one of the Oldest Towns found in Africa. This area was famous even in the 1st Century. It is one of the potential Candidate sites for the lost and searched town of Rhapta in the Indian Ocean. There are many potential sites, but Kilwa stands among the potential sites. Being found south of the Rufiji Delta. Currently, Kilwa has many remains of Ancient Building structures and Ruins. with more than 99 Mosques and many forts, and large building structures. Some date to before the 9th Century. Many Travellers also documented the Town of Kilwa even in the 14th and 15th Centuries. It played a big role as a trading port in the Indian Ocean. Many scholars, including Ibn Batuta and David Livingstone, wrote about the fascinating Town in the Indian Ocean. Famous for the Trading of Slaves, Gold, Ivory and many other products.
Kilwan Kisiwani is an island, National historical site, and Hamlet community located in the township of Kilwa Masoko, the district seat of Kilwa district in the Tanzanian region of Lindi Region in Southern Tanzania. Kilwa grew in the 13th and 14th centuries and is mentioned by several early chroniclers. The most significant standing ruins from this period are the Great Mosque and the Palace of Husuni Kubwa. The palace was unrivalled in East Africa for its architectural sophistication and splendour. In its heyday, Kilwa was one of the principal ports of trade on the Indian Ocean, trading Gold. Ivory, Iron, and enslaved people from Interior Africa, including the Mwene Mutabe societies South of the Zambezi River. Imported goods included cloths and jewellery from India and porcelain and glass from China.
Kilwa Kisiwani is one of the areas listed in the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Many Facinating Sites are Found in Kilwa Kisiwani ans Songo Mnara Islands.
Many remains have been unearthed from these sites, including old trading coins and artifacts of different types. The oldest mosque in East Africa is found on the Island of Kilwa Kisiwani, dating back to the 9th century. It had a great role in the growth of Islam in East Africa. Also, old wells and caves can be found on this Island.
We welcome you to Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara Island to explore the inspiring historical remains in this Area and to visit Kilwa Kivinje, an old trading Port on the shore of the Indian Ocean. Many remains of the Old Town with Arabic and Indian architectural remains and the Old Slave Market are still visible here.