Breaking News: Last Sultan of Zanzibar, Jamshid bin Abdullah, Dies at 95
The last Sultan of Zanzibar, Jamshid bin Abdullah, has passed away at the age of 95 in Oman. He died on the evening of Monday, 30 December 2024, after a prolonged illness, with funeral arrangements set for burial at the Royal Cemetery in Muscat today.
Born on 16 September 1929 in Zanzibar, Jamshid received his early education on the islands before pursuing advanced studies in Egypt and the United Kingdom. During his time in the UK, he also served for two years in the British Royal Navy.
Ascending to the sultanate on 1 July 1963 following his father Sultan Abdullah bin Khalifa’s death, Jamshid’s reign was remarkably brief. His rule lasted only six months before the historic Revolution of 12 January 1964 dramatically ended the monarchy in Zanzibar, leading to the election of Abeid Amani Karume as the first President of Zanzibar.
This significant moment marked a pivotal transition in Zanzibar’s political history, transforming the island’s governance from a traditional sultanate to a modern presidential system. The Sultan’s passing now closes a critical chapter in the region’s colonial and post-colonial narrative.
