Mohammed Iqbal Dar, who named Tanzania, died at age 80 in Birmingham. Born in Tanga, he participated in a contest in 1964, proposing the name “Tanzania.” He was awarded a prize for his suggestion and remained connected to his homeland throughout his life, supporting humanitarian projects.
Mohammed Iqbal Dar, the individual responsible for coining the name “Tanzania,” passed away at the age of 80 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Living in the UK since 1965, Mr. Dar had been in declining health for a decade, resulting in a loss of mobility in his later years.
Born on August 8, 1944, in Tanga, Tanzania, Mr. Dar’s father, Dr. Tufail Ahmad Dar, was a notable physician in the country. Mr. Dar completed his education at H.H. The Aga Khan School and Mzumbe Secondary School in Tanzania.
In 1964, while still a student, he encountered a newspaper advertisement inviting suggestions for a new name for the merger of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. He participated, proposing the name “Tanzania,” which was ultimately selected as the official name.
For his contribution, Mr. Dar received a modest prize of Sh200 (around $280 today) and a medal presented by the then-Minister of Information, Sheikh Idrisa Abdul Wakil. He explained that he crafted the name by merging elements: the first three letters of “Tanganyika” (TAN) with those of “Zanzibar” (ZAN), plus an “I” from his name, Iqbal, and an “A” symbolizing his ties to the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.
Despite his relocation to the UK, Mr. Dar maintained a strong connection to Tanzania, making multiple visits to support humanitarian efforts and fostering community aid initiatives. His involvement extended to attending various religious events in Tanzania.
Mohammed Iqbal Dar, known for naming Tanzania, left a significant legacy. His innovative creation of the name reflects cultural and historical ties, merging aspects of both Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Despite health challenges, Dar remained actively engaged with Tanzania, underscoring his commitment to humanitarian efforts and community support.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
