Taifa States

Taifa States were independent, city-based kingdoms that emerged in the region of the Swahili Coast and parts of present-day Kenya and Tanzania during the medieval period, around the 15th century. These city-states, such as Kilwa, Mombasa, and Zanzibar, thrived through trade, especially in gold, ivory, and slaves, and were often governed by local rulers or sultans. They operated as semi-autonomous entities, engaging in diplomacy and commerce with Arab, Persian, and European merchants. Taifa States played a crucial role in shaping the region's culture, economy, and history, serving as important centers of trade and Islamic influence in East Africa.