The Old Boma is more than just a historic building it is a symbol of Dar es Salaam’s transformation over the centuries. From its origins under the Sultan of Zanzibar to its role in German and British colonial rule, and now as a heritage site in a rapidly modernizing city, the Old Boma tells a story of resilience, adaptation, and change. Its survival through repeated threats of demolition speaks to the ongoing struggle between development and heritage conservation in Dar es Salaam. As skyscrapers rise around it, the Old Boma stands as a reminder of the city’s layered history an anchor in the past that continues to shape its identity today. By visiting and engaging with the Old Boma, we not only preserve its legacy but also deepen our understanding of the forces that shaped Dar es Salaam. It is a place where history is not just remembered but actively lived, connecting the past with the present and inspiring future generations to appreciate and protect their cultural heritage.
Dar es Salaam Centre for Architectural Heritage ⅼ Sokoine Drive / Morogoro Road ⅼ P.O. Box 8275 Dar es Salaam ⅼ Web: www.darchtz.wordpress.com ⅼ E-Mail: administrator@darchtz.org ⅼ Phone +255 756468085 oder +255 718841000 ⅼ Instagram @darchtz Facebook DARCHTZ
The Dar es Salaam Centre for Architectural Heritage (DARCH) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to saving and promoting historic architecture in Dar es Salaam and the broader East African context through research and documentation, education, and professional training, community outreach, and public cultural events. DARCH promotes a rediscovery of Dar es Salaam’s constructed heritage as a potential catalyst for more inclusive and sensitive approaches to urban transformation. ‚Heritage‘ should be understood as a living and constantly transforming asset and potential driver for economic, social, cultural and political innovation and reinvention. DARCH offers exhibitions on the architecture in DAR, film screenings related to colonial history and its impact on Tanzania and walking tours that explore the city’s colonial architecture and urban heritage.
Decolonial Travel Guide Tanzania 