They Came to Africa : 200 Years of the Asian Presence in Tanzania [Paperback]

Lois Lobo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 22, 2000

This is an oral history book that chronicles the lives of Tanzanian Asians who immigrated from the sub-continent of India to East Africa. History is told from the viewpoint of 20 men and women from the Sikh, Hindu, Jain, Bohra, Ismaili, Ithnaasheri, Sunni, Buddhist, Christian, and Parsi Communities.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The individual stories are fascinating in their contribution to development of Tanzania and the wide range of occupations and interests. -- Zarina Patel, author of Challenge to Colonialism

About the Author

Lois Lobo was born in Dar-es-Salaam and is fourth generation Tanzanian Asian. She has a Masters Degree in International Development from the American University in Washington, DC. Lois is an artist and is also active in documenting the use of alternative technologies in the Third World.

Product Details

• Paperback: 100 pages
• Publisher: Sustainable Village (June 22, 2000)
• ISBN-10: 9987889913
• ISBN-13: 978-9987889914
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #899,209 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #75 in Books > History > Africa > Tanzania

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Asante Sana, January 2, 2001

By 

"benegalpereira" (Amherst, NH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: They Came to Africa : 200 Years of the Asian Presence in Tanzania (Paperback)

Lois Lobo deserves a toast of Champagne, and a rip-roaring round of applause for her accomplishment with this publication. To my knowledge, this is the first book on the Asians of Tanzania to be produced in this, a unique perspective. In essence what Lois has succeeded in, is sum up of a brief overview of the Asian Religions and Cultures of Tanzania, and in doing so, has dedicated two mini bio-sketches of either individual personalities or families per Sect. A total of over twenty bio-sketches ranging from Zoroastrians, Jains, Sunnis, Ithnaasheris, Bohra, Sikhs and Christians amongst several others.

This publication is not meant to be an in-depth analysis of the specific cultures or religions in question. But rather an appetizing glimpse, of the mosaic of the intriguing diversity that exists amongst the Asian peoples of Tanzania.

'They Came to Africa', follows along similar lines as Cynthia Salvadori's more extensive exposier, 'We Came in Dhows', which was confined more to the Kenya Asians. Lobo carries a similar theme, complete with nostalgic photos and memoirs, she has also included timelines, glossary, bibliography and index.

Lobo concludes with a touching epilogue, with two wonderfully written experiences of the Asians of Tanzania; one a eulogy by Mwalimu Nyerere at Amir Jamal's Memorial service and another is an interview with the Sultan of Zanzibar's former secretary. She states, 'The eulogy is a story of Mr. Jamal's infallible service to the country and the interview is a tragic story of the Revolution in Zanzibar'

They Came To Africa, secures a high place in my library of books, dedicated to the Asians of Eastern Africa. It makes for a wonderful and nostalgic addition. I highly recommend it for anyone immersed in the history of the EA Asians.