Cultural heritage conservation and the colonial past in Tanzania

Collaborative approaches towards German colonial administrative buildings and military stations (Bomas)

Dados Bibliográficos

ID5884804
AutoresM F Chami (0000-0003-3081-1958, University of Dar es Salaam, autor correspondente)
Ano2025
Volume32
Fascículo1
Páginas1-21
Data de publicação2025-10-26
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoInternational Journal of Heritage Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1352-7258 • E-ISSN: 1470-3610
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13527258.2025.2579246
OpenAlexW4415552688
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas2
Referências citadas31

Monumental buildings erected by colonial powers as part of their occupation of conquered territories are powerful reminders of how local populations and territories were brought under control. After attaining independence, some countries, including Tanzania, continued to use some of these monumental colonial buildings as government offices; others have fallen into disrepair. With the requisite circumspection and based on extensive consultation and cooperation with local communities, turning such sites into heritage properties may offer critical opportunities. This approach can teach the history of colonialism and the global entanglement that remains its legacy, with potential for educational tourism development. This article uses a case study from Tanzania to assess the possibility of conserving and using former German colonial administrative buildings, taking into account the current situation. Based on collaborative work with local populations and considering heritage management and conservation approaches, the article aims to report on the types of markers the so-called Bomas may represent in Tanzania and elsewhere

Colonialism · Cultural heritage · Cultural heritage management · German · Industrial heritage · African history and culture studies · Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation · Global Maritime and Colonial Histories