Mohammed Iqbal Dar, the man who named Tanzania, died at 80 in Birmingham, UK. Born in Tanga, Tanzania, he suggested the name for the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar in 1964, winning a prize for his idea. Mr. Dar remained involved with humanitarian efforts in Tanzania throughout his life.
Mohammed Iqbal Dar, the individual who coined the name “Tanzania,” passed away at the age of 80 in Birmingham, United Kingdom, where he had resided since 1965. His health had deteriorated for nearly a decade, resulting in his inability to walk in his later years.
Mr. Dar was born on August 8, 1944, in Tanga, Tanzania, to the prominent doctor Dr. Tufail Ahmad Dar, who practiced in various regions of the country. His educational journey began in Tanzania at H.H. The Aga Khan School and continued at Mzumbe Secondary School.
In 1964, while still a student, Mr. Dar noticed a newspaper advertisement soliciting name suggestions for the new union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. After participating, his proposal—the name “Tanzania”—was selected as the official name of the union.
He was honored with a Sh200 award (approximately $280 in 1964) and a medal presented by the then-Minister for Information, Sheikh Idrisa Abdul Wakil. Mr. Dar later elaborated on how he devised the name by combining the first three letters of “Tanganyika” (TAN) and “Zanzibar” (ZAN), along with an “I” from his name and an “A” representing his affiliation with the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.
Despite his relocation to the UK, Mr. Dar maintained a strong connection to Tanzania, visiting frequently and actively contributing to humanitarian projects to assist individuals from diverse backgrounds. He was also a regular participant in religious events throughout Tanzania.
In summary, Mohammed Iqbal Dar’s legacy as the originator of the name “Tanzania” is significant. His journey from a student in Tanzania to a contributor to the nation’s identity showcases his dedication to humanitarian efforts and his enduring connection to his homeland, despite living abroad for several decades.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
