The venerable “Emerson on Hurumzi”, Grande Dame of restored palaces in Zanzibar
The building that today hosts “Emerson on Hurumzi” at 236-240 Hurumzi street, Hurumzi, Stonetown, Zanzibar was built in the 1870s by the powerful merchant Sir Tharia Thopan. He served as a principal financial adviser to Sultan Bargash and was the head of customs.