Description
Information about the family history and the coat of arms
Family history
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Family history Sayyid of Zanzibar
The Sayyids of Zanzibar – The Al Bu Saʿid House in the Indian Ocean
The Al Bu Saʿid dynasty began in 1744 with Ahmad ibn Said, who united Oman and established a new ruling dynasty as Imam. His grandson Said ibn Sultan built a maritime power between Arabia and East Africa in the early 19th century. Sansibar became his preferred seat of government. In 1835 he had the palace Beit al-Sahil built there; the island developed into an important trading center for cloves and goods from the Indian Ocean.
After Sayid’s death in 1856, his sons divided the empire. Thuwaini ruled Oman, while Majid ibn Said became the first independent Sultan of Zanzibar. Majid promoted the city and fortified his rule on the East African coast. His brother Barghash followed in 1870, one of the most influential Sultans. After traveling in India and Europe, he modernized the capital, built roads, water pipes, and the ceremonial Beit al-Ajaib, the „House of Wonders.“ In 1873, he closed the public slave market at British pressure and banned the trade in enslaved people.
Under Khalifa, Ali, and Hamad, administration and international relations were further developed, while British influence grew. When Khalid ibn Barghash occupied the palace without British consent in 1896, a bombardment lasting only a few minutes led to the famous Anglo-Sansibar War. Hamoud ibn Muhammad subsequently assumed power and supported the complete legal abolition of slavery in 1897.
In the 20th century, Ali, Khalifa ibn Harub, and Abdullah followed. Khalifa ruled from 1911 to 1960 and accompanied Zanzibar through profound social changes. Jamshid ibn Abdullah became ruler of the independent sultanate in 1963; the revolution of 1964 ended his rule. After that, the family continued to live outside of Zanzibar. Their palaces, baths, and carved doorways still characterize Stone Town, whose unique combination of African, Arab, Indian, and European cultures is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sources: Oman Ministry of Information, UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Encyclopaedia Britannica
Coat of arms & Heraldry
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Family coat of arms Sayyid of Zanzibar
The design combines the dynastic symbol of Oman’s Al Bu Saʿid – the Khanjar and crossed swords – with Sansibar’s seafaring and rose-growing trade.
In red, a silver Khanjar with a gold-decorated sheath over two crossed silver Arabic sabers with golden handles; in the base of the shield are two crossed green carnations; in the shield head is a small silver dhau. Above the shield is a white-gold Sayyid rank ornament.
The Al Bu Saʿid dynasty originated in Oman in 1744. Said ibn Sultan shifted his focus to Zanzibar; after 1856 the island became an independent sultanate under Majid ibn Said and remained under the dynasty until 1964.
Sources: Oman Ministry of Information, UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Stone Town of Zanzibar, historical emblem of Al Bu Saʿid, project history „Sayyid of Zanzibar“
Overview of your title package
What the title of nobility contains
Discover the fascination of historical noble titles. With each appointment, you receive a first-class package that perfectly combines tradition, personal recognition, and stylish representation:
Your certificate
Authentic design with a historic flair: For each region, we create a certificate of appointment in the distinctive, country-specific style – complete with the appropriate coat of arms of your chosen title.
Share this special moment: Upon request, you will receive a free partner certificate and certificates for your children, so that the whole family can participate in the tradition.
Your own coat of arms
Each title comes with the corresponding historical coat of arms, which you receive as a high-resolution file. You can use it completely freely in private and professional contexts – whether on letterhead, business cards, or seals.
The Companion Book
The book „My Title“ takes you in detail into the multifaceted world of your new aristocratic title and offers valuable practical tips for everyday life, stylish guidance, and background information on history.
Our accessories
Golden ID Card
Crafted from premium aluminum in business card format, the gold ID Card makes your title look stylish and mobile.
Gold coins
Fine gold and silver-plated medallions combine coats of arms, names and titles in a glossy, unique design.
Emblem stamp
The self-inking stamp quickly, cleanly and precisely transfers your personal emblem onto letterhead paper.
My own wine
Choose fine red or white wine with an elegant, personalized label for a stylish look.
Wappen Gläser
The masterfully engraved wine glasses display their coat of arms, name and title in stunning brilliance.
Precision pliers
The elegant embossing pliers embellishes letterheads or documents with a tactile, colourless relief embossing.
Honorary membership
Membership of the Noble Society Institute enriches your title with another dimension of exclusive representation. Validated by a magnificent certificate in your name, with no ongoing fees or obligations.
