Makuyuni, Korogwe
Makuyuni
Mji wa Kale na Kata ya Makuyuni (Swahili) | |
|---|---|
Historic town and Ward of Korogwe District, Tanga | |
 From top to bottom: Makuyuni town | |
  Makuyuni | |
| Coordinates: 4°43′59″S 38°06′00″E / 4.73306°S 38.10000°E | |
| Country |  Tanzania |
| Region | Tanga Region |
| District | Korogwe District, Tanga |
| Founded by | Shambaa Kingdom |
| Area | |
• Total | 58.3 km2 (22.5 sq mi) |
| Population (2022) | |
• Total | 10,393 |
| • Density | 178/km2 (460/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Makyunian |
| Ethnic groups | |
| • Settler | Swahili |
| • Ancestral | Shambaa |
| Tanzanian Postal Code | 21610 |
Makuyuni is a historic town and current ward [1] in Tanga Region's Korogwe District of Tanzania. The town along with Mazinde was a significant site in the Shambaa Kingdom of the Usambara mountain's historical context. The name Makuyuni translates to "at the sycamore trees" in Swahili [2][3]
History
[edit]Makuyuni was a historically significant trading town located within the Shambaa kingdom of northeastern Tanzania. Positioned strategically between the Usambara Mountains and the nyika (plains), Makuyuni emerged as a key commercial center, facilitating trade among various ethnic groups and serving as an economic hub for the region. The exact date of its founding is not explicitly mentioned in the provided context; however, it is referenced as a typical large market that developed in the 18th century during the time when trade became essential to the household economy of the Shambaa people.[4]
Economic importance
[edit]Makuyuni was known for its bustling market where local traders, primarily from the Zigula and Shambaa communities, exchanged agricultural products. Key commodities included bananas and tobacco from the Shambaa and metal implements, game meat, and salt from the Zigula. The market attracted diverse ethnic groups, including the Pare, Segeju, and Swahili traders, creating a vibrant environment for cultural and economic interactions. This multilingual setting emphasized Makuyuni's role in fostering inter-community relationships.[5][6]
The geographical location of Makuyuni allowed it to become a crucial point for food procurement, especially during times of famine. The differing harvest seasons of the surrounding ecological zones facilitated a reliable food supply through trade. The political stability of the Shambaa kingdom significantly influenced the success of markets like Makuyuni. Local rulers recognized the economic importance of trade, which contributed to the kingdom's prosperity. The establishment of Makuyuni as a trading center was endorsed by local rulers, such as Semboja, who understood that trade was essential for consolidating power and ensuring the economic wellbeing of their territories.[7][8]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Makuyuni". Retrieved 8 February 2025.
- ^ Roberts, Andrew, and Beverley Brock. Tanzania Before 1900 Published for the Historical Association of Tanzania by the East African Pub. House, 1968.
- ^ Feierman, Steven (1974). The Shambaa Kingdom: A History. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press. p. 73. ISBN 9780299063603.
- ^ Feierman, Steven (1974). The Shambaa Kingdom: A History. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press. p. 73. ISBN 9780299063603.
- ^ Roberts, Andrew, and Beverley Brock. Tanzania Before 1900 Published for the Historical Association of Tanzania by the East African Pub. House, 1968.
- ^ Feierman, Steven (1974). The Shambaa Kingdom: A History. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press. p. 73. ISBN 9780299063603.
- ^ Roberts, Andrew, and Beverley Brock. Tanzania Before 1900 Published for the Historical Association of Tanzania by the East African Pub. House, 1968.
- ^ Feierman, Steven (1974). The Shambaa Kingdom: A History. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press. p. 73. ISBN 9780299063603.