提起坦桑尼亚(Tanzania),许多人首先想到的是壮观的东非野生动物大迁徙或乞力马扎罗山。然而,在坦桑尼亚漫长的印度洋海岸线上,还隐藏着一颗璀璨的文化遗珠——考勒遗址(Kaole Ruins)。这座位于历史名城巴加莫约(Bagamoyo)以南仅 5 公里处的考古遗址,承载着 13 至 16 世纪斯瓦希里文明的辉煌。本文将带您深入探索考勒遗址的悠久历史、核心看点,并提供实用的旅行指南。
考勒遗址的历史可以追溯到公元 8 世纪。最初,这里是当地 Kwere 和 Zaramo 部落的定居点,被称为“Pumbuji”(意为肥沃的土地)。到了 13 世纪,来自阿拉伯和波斯的商人开始在此定居,将其发展为一个繁荣的沿海商埠。关于“Kaole”这个名字的由来,有一个有趣的传说:当外国定居者抵达时,当地原住民惊呼“chite tukalole”(意为“让我们去看看”)。外来者将发音误读为“Kaole”,这个名字便一直沿用至今。
在 13 至 15 世纪的鼎盛时期,考勒是红树林木材、檀香木、乌木以及象牙的重要贸易枢纽。随着商业的繁荣,定居者使用坚固的珊瑚石(Coral Stone)建造了清真寺和陵墓,而当地居民的木制房屋则消失在了时间的长河中。然而,随着 15 世纪末葡萄牙人的入侵,以及后来贸易重心逐渐向北转移至巴加莫约,考勒逐渐走向衰落,直到 1958 年被英国考古学家内维尔·奇蒂克(Neville Chittick)发掘,才重新进入世人的视野。
考勒遗址内现存两座清真寺的遗迹,其中建于 13 世纪的主清真寺被认为是坦桑尼亚大陆乃至东非现存最古老的清真寺之一。建筑完全采用带有精美切割工艺的珊瑚石堆砌而成,不仅展示了早期斯瓦希里建筑的独特风格,也印证了伊斯兰教在东非海岸早期传播的历史。
遗址内最引人注目的莫过于 30 多座保存完好的斯瓦希里柱状墓群。这些采用设拉子(Shirazi)风格建造的陵墓不仅雕刻精美,还带有高耸的石柱。在当时的文化中,石柱的高度直接象征着逝者的社会地位。据考证,这些陵墓属于当地被称为“迪瓦尼(Diwanis)”的统治者以及德高望重的阿拉伯酋长。
在遗址入口处设有一座小型博物馆,展示了发掘出土的珍贵文物。其中甚至包括来自中国古代的瓷器碎片,这是古代海上丝绸之路与早期中非商业贸易往来的铁证。此外,遗址内还有一口古老的“许愿井”和一棵拥有 500 多年历史的猴面包树。当地人相信,用这口古井的水洗手并许下心愿,便能如愿以偿。
考勒遗址距离坦桑尼亚的第一大城市达累斯萨拉姆(Dar es Salaam)约 70 公里。游客可以选择以下方式前往:
包车或自驾:沿新铺设的巴加莫约公路向北行驶,车程约 1.5 至 2 小时,路况良好。
公共交通(Daladala):从达累斯萨拉姆乘坐当地的小巴直达巴加莫约镇,再转乘嘟嘟车(Tuk-tuk)或出租车前往南侧 5 公里外的遗址。这是一种更具性价比且能深度体验当地人生活的出行方式。
最佳游览时间:由于坦桑尼亚沿海气候较为炎热,建议在清晨或傍晚时分前往遗址参观,以避开正午的高温,此时柔和的光线也非常适合摄影。
周边景点串联:游览完考勒遗址后,不妨深入巴加莫约(Bagamoyo)小镇。这里曾是 19 世纪东非最大的奴隶贸易集散地,也曾是德属东非的首府。您可以参观巴加莫约博物馆、古老的老堡垒(Old Fort)以及东非最古老的天主教堂(Catholic Mission),深刻感受这座名字意为“把心留下”的古城的沧桑历史。
Drake Maxwell Interesting ruins and an old mosque still in operation, a small museum with a few exhibits inside. One of the most interesting things is the 500 year old Baobab tree.
Isaac Mombury Kaole Ruins in Bagamoyo, Pwani, is a captivating historical site that offers a glimpse into Tanzania's rich cultural heritage. My recent visit to this ancient settlement was both educational and fascinating. Located about 5 kilometers south of Bagamoyo town, the ruins date back to the 13th century and were once a thriving trade hub, connecting the Swahili coast to distant lands. The site features remnants of coral stone mosques, tombs, and other structures that reflect the early Islamic influence in East Africa. Walking through the ruins, I was struck by the serene atmosphere and the sense of history that permeates the place. One of the highlights was the 13th-century mosque, believed to be one of the oldest in East Africa. The tombs, adorned with intricate inscriptions and decorative patterns, also tell stories of early settlers and traders. The on-site museum is small but informative, showcasing artifacts like pottery, glass beads, and coins, which illustrate the region's trade connections with countries like China, India, and the Arabian Peninsula. The guides were knowledgeable, offering insightful details about the history of the settlement, the people who lived there, and their trading activities. Visiting the Kaole Ruins was like stepping back in time. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in Tanzania’s history, archaeology, or culture. I highly recommend it for those looking to learn more about the Swahili coast's ancient trading networks and the region's Islamic heritage.
nicole joan A place that holds so much history. You will be awed. My guide did a good job explaining all the necessary information about each building and item in the ruins. There are graves,a magic well,500 yrs old Baobab,old mosque,old port and old foundation. The entrance fee includes a guide. They only accept mobile money but don't worry,if you have cash,they will make the payment on your behalf.
Dea H. I wish they put more information. If you don't have a guide with you, you wouldn't know what happened. There's a small museum nearby, tho. Visited on weekday, so there weren't much visitors. I heard it is packed with people during weekend.
Jirani Fulani This historical site is located approximately 15 minutes from Bagamoyo Bus Station, it carries the remains of the first Arab settlement in Bagamoyo. Here you'll be able to see a 13th-century mosque which is one of the oldest in East Africa, a famous tomb of lovers, a well of fresh water, Kaole old port, a baobab tree that is said to be there for over five centuries etc.