University of Nairobi Explores Persian Influence on East African Culture and Trade

The University of Nairobi (UoN) through its Centre for Human Rights and Peace in collaboration with the Iran Cultural Council reaffirmed its status as a center for research and academic excellence by hosting a groundbreaking Intercultural Exchange Conference exploring the Persian cultural and civilizational influence on the East African coast. Themed “Retracing and Interrogating the Footsteps of Persian Culture and Civilization in the East African Communities,” the conference brought together scholars, diplomats, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts to examine the deep-rooted historical ties between Persia (modern-day Iran) and East Africa. The event was graced by H.E. Dr. Ali Gholampour, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nairobi, alongside the Ambassador of Iraq, Dr. Akram Jameel Slaiman, and representatives from Uganda and India. The Governor of Kwale County, Ms. Fatma Achani, was also in attendance.

In her keynote address, UoN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Margaret J. Hutchinson who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francis Mulaa, highlighted the centuries-old connections between Persia and the East African coast. She noted that Persian traders and settlers played a pivotal role in shaping Swahili culture, language, architecture, and trade routes.

“The history of Persian influence in East Africa is vast, dating back to the 9th century. Persian merchants and Shirazi settlers helped shape the rich cultural and linguistic landscape of the Swahili coast, including cities like Mombasa, Lamu, and Zanzibar,” Prof. Hutchinson.

In her closing remarks, Prof. Hutchinson emphasized the significance of continuing research on Persian-African connections and fostering stronger cultural ties between Kenya and Iran.

The conference featured academic presentations on Persian linguistic influence, architectural heritage, trade routes, and religious connections. Scholars explored:

          Historical Interactions: The impact of Persian migration on the East African coast.

          Linguistic Influence: Persian loanwords in Swahili, such as chai (tea), serikali (government), and adabu (manners).

          Architectural Heritage: The influence of Shirazi styles on Swahili coastal cities.

          Religious and Spiritual Connections: The spread of Sufi Islam in East Africa.

          Cultural Diplomacy: Strengthening modern relations between Iran and East Africa.

Notable speakers included Mr.Amirbahram Arabahmadi, who discussed “Mutual Cultural Interactions between Iran and East Africa,” and Moeen Amini, who retraced Iran-Kenya relations from 2009 to 2020.

The Iranian Ensemble provided traditional Persian entertainment, enhancing the conference’s intercultural spirit. The event, organized in collaboration with the Cultural Council of the Embassy of Iran in Nairobi, marked a milestone in East Africa’s historical and cultural research.