Fatuma binti Yusuf al-Alawi: ally of Portuguese against the Omanis | Author: Tamanna Hazarika

Fatuma binti Yusuf al-Alawi was Queen of Unguja (in modern day Tanzania), which is part of pre-Sultanate Zanzibar (main island of Zanzibar before it became part of the Sultanate of Zanzibar). She reigned during the late 17th and early 18th centuries and was known for supporting the Portuguese in their war against Oman.

Ancestry and Early Life

Fatuma belonged to a noble family. Her last name, al-Alawi, which means that she was from the Alawi family, which claimed ancestry from the Prophet Muhammad PBUH’s family. She was born around the year 1650, though exact details about her early life and upbringing are not widely documented. What is known is that she was a Muslim queen who ruled in a region where Islam and local African cultures mixed. As queen of Unguja, she was known to be strong, courageous, and wise. She was the wife of Abdullah, king of the Utondwe.

Support for the Portuguese

The most important event of Fatuma’s reign was her support for the Portuguese. During her reign, the East African coast, was a region disputed between the Portuguese and the Omanis. The Portuguese had established a presence in the region earlier and wanted to keep their influence. Fatuma supported the Portuguese in their fight against the Omanis, who wanted to take control of the region (which they ultimately did). Her alliance with the Portuguese was probably based on political reasons. By supporting the Portuguese, she aimed to protect her kingdom from the Omanis.

Siege of Fort Jesus (1696-99)

The main conflict was between the Portuguese forces, whom she supported, and the Omani Arabs trying to gain control over the East African coast. Fatuma took an active role in these conflicts. In 1696, an army from Oman, led by Saif I bin Sultan, began a long siege to capture Fort Jesus from the Portuguese. During the siege, Queen Fatuma binti Yusuf al-Alawi sent three 'dhows' (traditional sailing vessels) with supplies to help the Portuguese fighters inside the fort. Unfortunately, the Omanis captured and burned these dhows. Queen Fatuma was forced to flee to the interior of Zanzibar to evade capture. The siege continued and by December 1698, the Omanis captured Fort Jesus.

She was eventually captured during the Omani occupation of Zanzibar and she was exiled to Oman for 12 years. After being released in 1709, she governed as a vessel ruler under Omani authority for the rest of her life.

Conclusion

Fatuma binti Yusuf al-Alawi died around 1715. Fatuma is important in world history because she represents the strong leadership of African women. Her rule is a reminder that women have played key roles in history, often leading in times of conflict. She stands as a symbol of the African and Islamic identities merging on the Swahili coast.

Sources :

1. Edited by Akyeampong & Gates Jr. (2012) Dictionary of African biography. OUP USA. Vol. 1 Pg. 360-361

2. Chris McIntyre & Susan McIntyre (2013) Zanzibar. Bradt Travel Guides. Pg. 8