Regional Differentiation of Swahili Identity - Case Study of Vanga and Ushongo

This thesis deals with the formation of the Swahili identity within two countries: Kenya and Tanzania. The Swahili people have inhabited the East African coast since the first millennium, utilizing local resources to trade and to create their sophisticated social position. The philosophy of Islam had a considerable influence on the development of the Swahili culture. These traditional elements typical for the Swahili culture were significantly restricted by the period of colonialism, where newly formed boundaries divided this ethnic group. The situation on both sides of the border is analysed through quantitative and qualitative research, which offers a complex view on the issue. The results show that selected cities are very similar with only small differences - often related to the closeness or openness of the village towards increasing tourism. In general the established boundaries play almost no role in shaping the Swahili identity. The Swahili people retain their traditional position within the East African coast, although their relations with other countries are less pronounced as the distance between them increases