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Discover the COMOROS: 10 INTERESTING FACTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT This Country
The Comoros or Comoros form a volcanic archipelago off the southeast coast of East Africa, east of Mozambique and northwest of Madagascar. The volcanic islands cover a total area of 2,034 square kilometers. The island of Mayotte is still the oldest above sea level. Grande Comore is the youngest of the islands and is still actively volcanic.
According to mythology, a djinn dropped a jewel which formed a large circular blaze. This then became the Karthala volcano which created the island of Grande Comore. It is officially called the Union of the Comoros. It is an archipelago country in the Indian Ocean at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel off the eastern coast of East Africa. It borders Madagascar and Mayotte to the southeast, the Seychelles to the northeast, Tanzania to the northwest, and Mozambique to the west. Its capital and largest city is Moroni and its currency is the Comorian franc (KMF).
Comorian, plus a Swahili dialect, is the dominant native language. In written form, it is transcribed into Arabic which is the second mother tongue. French is the main language of official business and the language of instruction in schools. Surprisingly, less than half of the population speaks French. It is mainly spoken in urban areas and among the educated elite. However, learning a few words in Comorian will be useful to you.
Moroni is the capital of Comoros. It is the largest city, federal capital and seat of government of the Comoros. “Moroni” translated means “heart of fire.” This could be due to its proximity to Mount Karthala. Moroni is also derived from “mroni” which means “by the river” in the Shingazidja language, which is the only language spoken on the island of Grande Comore. Moroni has an old Arab town resembling the Arabic architecture of Zanzibar. It is located at the southern end of Grande Comore with a population of 50,000 people. Arab traders found it around 10 AD. Moroni is a port city with a small harbor. The main exports processed there are coffee, vanilla, cocoa and essential oils used in perfumery.
Two types of marriages are common in the Comoros; the Little Wedding and the Big Wedding. The small wedding is an ordinary Islamic wedding.
The Grand Marriage generally must take place to obtain a certain social status. It is often a week or two of celebrations between the months of July and September. However, preparations can take around 6 months or up to 10 years. As tradition dictates, your big wedding should cost more than the big wedding of your previous relative or friend. This can cost up to 20,000 euros. Comorians therefore save over time and spend lavishly.
During the wedding period, families progress through an array of processions, live music, meals and intricate, well-choreographed dances. Each city, island and region of the Comoros organizes the Grand Wedding a little differently. However, it is a guarantee that there will be a rich and ornate tapestry of symbolic rituals, evoking various elements of the island. On the main island of Comoros, a man who has not had a grand marriage is excluded from political power and local decision-making.
There are two main musical genres found on the island; Traditional Twarab and Comorian music. Zanzibar taarab music is the most influential musical genre on the island. Sambec, Mohammed Hassan, Chamsia Sagafo and Belle Lumière are the main Taarab artists. Music like Sega music from Mauritius and Réunion is also popular.
The Comorian national anthem was indeed composed by the modern musician Abou Chihabi. He is known for his variety of Pan-African music tinged with reggae. The violin is the most frequent accompaniment of taarab music. Other Comorian instruments include the óud, the ndzendze, the gabusi and the msondo drum. Comorian songs and dances are mainly accompanied by local ngoma drums. The Spanish guitar arrived in the Comoros with French settlers.
Comorian cuisine is strongly influenced by Arab and French influences. The sauces are usually spiced with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and sometimes vanilla poured over rice dishes.
Coconut milk is an important ingredient as well as a drink. Traditional African foods such as cassava, plantain and bananas are also popular. A typical Comorian meal will include meat, fish, goat or beef.
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Published Feb 1, 2024
