Mohammed Iqbal Dar, the individual who named Tanzania, passed away at 80 in Birmingham, UK. He suggested the name following a nationwide call for proposals in 1964, combining elements from both Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Despite health challenges in recent years, he remained connected to Tanzania, supporting various humanitarian efforts.
Mohammed Iqbal Dar, the individual credited with naming Tanzania, has passed away at the age of 80. His death occurred in Birmingham, United Kingdom, where he resided since 1965. Mr. Dar had struggled with health issues for nearly a decade, rendering him unable to walk in his final years.
Born on August 8, 1944, in Tanga, Tanzania, Mr. Dar was the son of Dr. Tufail Ahmad Dar, a prominent physician in the region. He received his education in Tanzania, attending H.H. The Aga Khan School and later Mzumbe Secondary School.
In 1964, while still a student, he responded to a newspaper advertisement soliciting name suggestions for the newly established union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. His submission, “Tanzania,” was selected as the winning entry.
For his contribution, Mr. Dar received a prize of Sh200 (equivalent to approximately $280 in 1964) and a medal presented by Sheikh Idrisa Abdul Wakil, the Minister for Information. He later shared his creative process in naming the country, combining the first three letters of “Tanganyika” (TAN) and “Zanzibar” (ZAN), adding an “I” from his name and an “A” to signify his ties to the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.
Despite relocating to the UK, Mr. Dar maintained his connection to Tanzania, visiting frequently and contributing to humanitarian initiatives aimed at assisting individuals across various demographics. He continued to actively participate in religious events in Tanzania throughout his life.
The legacy of Mohammed Iqbal Dar endures not only in the name he coined for Tanzania but also through his lasting contributions to humanitarian work and his connections to his home country. His innovative spirit and dedication to helping others left a profound impact on those around him.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
