Mohammed Iqbal Dar, The Man Who Named Tanzania, Passes Away at 80

Mohammed Iqbal Dar, the man who named “Tanzania,” died at 80 in Birmingham. He was born in Tanga, Tanzania, and proposed the name in 1964, winning a prize. Mr. Dar’s creation combined elements of both regions and represented his identity. He maintained a connection to Tanzania throughout his life, supporting various initiatives.

Mohammed Iqbal Dar, the individual credited with naming “Tanzania,” passed away at the age of 80 in Birmingham, United Kingdom, where he had resided since 1965. Mr. Dar had faced health issues for nearly a decade, becoming unable to walk in his later years. Born on August 8, 1944, in Tanga, Tanzania, he was the son of Dr. Tufail Ahmad Dar, a distinguished doctor who served throughout the nation.

Mr. Dar pursued his education in Tanzania at H.H. The Aga Khan School and Mzumbe Secondary School. In 1964, while still a student, he responded to a newspaper advertisement soliciting suggestions for the new name of the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar. His proposed name, “Tanzania,” won the contest, leading to his recognition with a Sh200 prize (approximately $280 in 1964) and a medal presented by then-Minister for Information, Sheikh Idrisa Abdul Wakil.

Mr. Dar elaborated on the origin of the name he created by combining the first three letters from “Tanganyika” (TAN) and “Zanzibar” (ZAN), along with an “I” from his name, Iqbal, and an “A” symbolizing his ties to the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. Despite his relocation to the UK, he maintained a deep connection to Tanzania, visiting the country frequently, supporting humanitarian initiatives, and participating in various religious events.

In conclusion, Mohammed Iqbal Dar’s legacy endures through his contributions, most notably by naming Tanzania. He remained dedicated to his homeland, engaging in humanitarian efforts and preserving cultural ties. His passing marks the loss of a significant figure in Tanzania’s history, recognized for his creativity and commitment to the community.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com