Swahili architecture

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Swahili architecture is a style of building along the Eastern and Southeastern coasts of Africa. It is essentially Arabic in style with local African modification, with elements reflecting Arab architecture and culture, including arches, courtyards, isolated women's quarters, the mihrab, towers and decorative elements on the buildings themselves. There is also the use of inlaid tiles from the Arabian peninsula. All these elements can be seen near the southern Kenyan port of Malindi in the Gede ruins (the lost city of Gede/Gedi). It is thought that Swahili design influenced the builders of Great Zimbabwe. Ports and trading towns along the coast, on the island of Zanzibar, and on the west coast of Madagascar all show Swahili/Arabic influences in their architecture.