The daughter of a Persian trader caught their particular attention.

This was once home to wealthy Persian traders hailing mainly from Bastak in southern Iran, hence its name, Bastakiya.

Some suggest that Marco Polo acquired much of his knowledge through contact with Persian traders since many of the places he named were in Persian.

He came disguised as a Persian trader, with his turban awry and his rich garments dusty and rent.

According to some, Persian traders used Zanzibar as a base for voyages between the Middle East, India, and Africa.

Sir Mirza's grandfather Ali Askar was a Persian trader who fled Iran and took refuge under the wings of the Maharaja of Mysore.

Hence the Persian and Arabian traders called the town Betumah, i.e. house, church or town of Thomas.

Muslim and Persian traders were the first outsiders to arrive to the area by sea and traded pearls and ambergris, and they also traded at Chibuene in the south.

There is a Persian trader due in the next few days.

They were later joined by Persian traders from Greater Iran.