Kariakoo

Kariakoo is a ward of the Ilala District of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It has a population of 9,405 (2002).^[1] The name derives from a corruption of that of the British "Carrier Corps", that used to be based in this area. Today, Kariakoo is mainly known for its extensive market, that spans several city blocks and contributes substantially to Dar es Salaam's food provision as well as small-scale economy. Until recently Kariakoo was also one of the main daladala "stations" in Dar es Salaam, although this function has now been moved to Ubungo.

The close view of the Kariakoo market in Dar es Salaam.

The bird's view of the Kariakoo market in Dar es Salaam.

History

The Kariakoo market today (2010)

In pre-colonial times there was a large village in the area now known as Kariakoo. This village was frequently raided by slave traders. In the latter half of the 19th century, the area became a shamba (farm) belonging to the Sultan of Zanzibar. During German rule, 200 hectars of the shamba were bought by a German businessman named Schoeller, who rented the land to the Africans. At the same time, Dar es Salaam began to grow, and while Europeans built their houses in exclusive areas such as Oyster Bay, Kariakoo became Dar's main African settlement. In 1913, 15.000 out of the total 24.000 African inhabitants of Dar lived in Kariakoo.

In 1914 the German administration bought Kariakoo from Schoeller, with the intent of creating a formal African township according to the general segregationist strategy being applied German East Africa. Concrete houses were built to accommodate the African population, and at that same time the market was established; yet, the advent of First World War delayed its actual opening.

In 1916 the British conquered Dar es Salaam, and Kariakoo was used as a base for the Carrier Corps.

In 1923 the market built by the Germans finally began to function. In the 1970s it was substantially restructured.

References

External links

• Kariakoo Area Description