Several sultanates in the Comoro Islands, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, were founded after the introduction of Islam into the area in the 15th century. Other titles could also be fani, mfaume and ntibe. Unlike sultans in many other Arab nations, these sultans had little real power. At one time alone on the island of Ndzuwani or Nzwani (today Anjouan), 40 fanis and other chiefs shared power of the island; Ngazidja (today Grand Comore) was at many times divided into 11 sultanates. This article addresses the major sultanates.
The term Shirazis (derived from the former Persian capital Shiraz) is a reference to Iranian roots, in some dynasties. The sultans of Hamamvu (Washirazi sultans) are a surviving dynasty that claims origins in Persia and carries an extant connection to the Washirazi people of the East African Coast.
The following five cities have been collectively proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site:
Mayotte was conquered by the Sultanate of Anjouan in 1835, after which it was ruled by Anjouani qadis (governors) until 1841 when it became a protectorate under the French.
Styled mfalme (plural wafalme).
Styled "Mfaume" (in Shingazidja) or Mfalme (in Kiswahili). All rulers were part of the Inya Fey wa Mbaya dynasty. Reign dates are unknown.
Styled "Mfaume/Mfalme". All rulers were part of the Inya Mwatsoa Pirusa dynasty. Reign dates are unknown.
Styled "Mfaume/Mfalme". Rulers were part of the Inya Maoni Yambao and Inya Fu Wemba dynasties.
Styled "Mfaume/Mfalme"
Styled "Mfaume/Mfalme". All rulers were part of the Inya Mba Mro dynasty. Reign dates are unknown.
Styled "Mfaume/Mfalme". Subordinated to Itsandra. Reign dates unknown.
The sultan was also styled Mfaume/Mfalme; the only known incumbent (no dates) was: Bwana Fumu.
Sultans (also styled Mfaume/Mfalme). All rulers were part of the Inya Mwatsoa Udhiwa dynasty. Reign dates are unknown.
Mbude was subordinated to Itsandra from c. 1860 to 1872 and again from 1873 to 1880. It was subordinated to Bambao briefly from 1872 to 1873 and then again from 1880 to 1892.
The sultan was also styled Mfaume/Mfalme; the only known incumbent (no dates) was: Febeja Mambwe.