Comoros, or the Comoro Islands, is a country with four presidents. To get to know the customs of these beautiful islands, stay with Saed News.
The Comoro Archipelago (locally pronounced Qomor) or “Comoros” is a pristine and emerald-like group of islands whose turquoise coastal waters create an atmosphere full of tranquility. Due to the abundant planting of fragrant plants and the spread of their scents in the air, this country is also known as the “Fragrant Islands.” The name Comoros is derived from the Arabic word "القمر" (Al-Qamar), meaning "moon." These islands cover an area of 2,236 square kilometers and are located in southeastern Africa in the waters of the Indian Ocean, between Mozambique and Madagascar. The three main islands are: Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Mohéli, along with several smaller islands. Each of these three island groups has its own president, and another president governs over the three presidents and islands collectively. Due to being surrounded by the Indian Ocean waters and proximity to the equator, the islands have a warm and humid climate.
Religious beliefs: Sunni Islam is the dominant religious and cultural standard. Many Comorians also believe in the power of djinn and other earth spirits. These beliefs stem from Arab, African, and Madagascan traditions. People also believe in the concept of cosmic balance, which grew from Arab astrology.
Religious teachers: There are many ways to practice Islam, and religious roles may overlap. Some roles and practices are clearly defined and institutionalized: leading Friday prayers, preachers and muezzins who conduct Friday prayers in mosques, and Quran masters. The Ikhwan Sheikh and Sufis experience a fully Islamic mysticism. Walimu teachers, numerous in urban outskirts, may be Quran instructors, healers, astrologers, and Muslim masters.
Rituals and holy places: Besides Sunni Islamic religious holidays, Comorians celebrate the birth of the Prophet and local saints. Most prayer services are held in neighborhood and Friday mosques, while special devotions of the Shadhiliyya, Qadiriyya, and Rifaiyya brotherhoods take place in the courtyards of mosque zawiyas (Sufi lodges), where local saints are buried and people visit. Spirits show less involvement in religious acts.
Death and the afterlife: People bury the dead according to Islamic rites, which restrict women's involvement, and mourn on the 3rd, 9th, and 40th days. Seeing deceased parents in dreams is believed to signify happiness and helps facilitate prayers.
The Comoros has a population of over 700,000. The official languages are Arabic, French, and Comorian (Shikomori), and people often try to combine Swahili and Arabic in their spoken culture. The culture reflects a blend of African ethnic groups, with two main immigrant groups: first, immigrants from East African coasts, and second, Iranians, Arabs, and Indians. Over 98% of the population are Muslim, mostly Sunni, with about 2% Catholic Christians. The people’s status and official culture are assessed based on this demographic. The Comorian currency is the Comorian franc. The economic culture is growing with a French cultural influence, as France seeks to include Comoros culturally. The linguistic culture is well-positioned, and the population is looking to update its regional status. The fashion industry and traditional clothing have seen significant growth. The official cultural status in Comoros is important and is evaluated thoroughly. Economically, Comoros has a higher scientific level and development.
In Comoros, traffic laws regarding crossing streets are unique since the streets are very narrow, giving priority to pedestrians over vehicles. This somewhat unusual rule is influenced by Saudi support. Property purchase laws require at least one temporary residency in Comoros. Economic policies favor certain registered companies, and political frameworks are financially optimized. Overall, Comoros is a good place for company registration but still enforces strict regulations. The government aims to consider the national flag a sacred symbol. Women prefer body coverings but rarely wear headscarves.
In the 7th century AD, Iranians migrated to the Comoro Archipelago, bringing prosperity and commerce to this part of the Indian Ocean. Islam was first introduced by people from the Persian Gulf coast, including Shirazi merchants. The Shirazis built mosques, villages, and expanded trade, leaving a lasting legacy. Today, many who want to show noble lineage associate themselves with the Shirazi families and Sayyids, who are highly respected. The term "Shirazi" refers to a group living mainly in Zanzibar, Pemba, and the Comoros, with the surname “Shirazi” being a great honor.
A Comorian family includes parents, children, distant relatives, and even the tribe. The tribe provides emotional and financial security. Divorce is frowned upon, especially if children are involved, and those divorced are often ostracized. Family labor is divided for daily life: children help collect water, wood, and weave mats. Girls mostly work inside on handicrafts and embroidery, while boys work outside. Men and women share agricultural duties equally. Some men fish using motorboats, with women helping sell the catch. Wealthy women do not work in fields but focus on kitchen and embroidery work. Traditional houses are made from coral lime plaster, clay mixed with rice stalks, and coconut leaf mats. Modern houses use cement and metal sheets. Traditional houses have two rooms: one for guests and one for family, sometimes with an extra sitting room. Mosques and busy squares are common male social hubs.
On average, Comorian men marry two to four times or more. Two types of marriages exist: regular and grand. Regular marriages are simple, intimate, affordable, and legal. Grand marriages involve expensive dowries, two-week celebrations, and tens of thousands of dollars in costs. Grand weddings must be held in the village to keep wealth local. They can be celebrated years after the regular marriage. Marriage follows Islamic customs but also displays strange traditional rituals. Grand marriage traditions, despite high costs and poverty, stimulate local business. Jewelry making thrives since guests gift handmade gold and jewels, enabling the bride some financial independence. Comorians believe spending lavishly on weddings is essential to avoid lifelong shame. Embroidered robes, traditional caps, and pants are specific wedding attire. Men can only wear national costume elements if they have a grand marriage. Youth prefer to marry in the month of Sha’ban for its blessings. Regardless of the marriage type, the groom gifts the bride a house and cultivable land.
Though influenced by non-native cultures, Islamic traditions hold a special place. People observe Ramadan with fasting, charity, Quranic gatherings, and donate food to poor non-Muslims. Mosques remain active post-Asr prayer to prepare and distribute iftar meals. “Tharid,” a traditional Arabic dish of bread pieces with fresh vegetables and meat, is popular during Ramadan. Mosques are cleaned and decorated before Ramadan to welcome worshippers. Government enforces rules to preserve the sanctity of Ramadan, with penalties for violations. Village elders use the month to resolve personal or family conflicts. A special night is the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon, celebrated by torchlight on beaches, drumming, and all-night festivities.
Despite French influence, especially elders prefer traditional clothing during ceremonies. Women wear “shirumani,” a long floral dress with a skirt and bright scarf or shawl partly covering the face. Wooden sandals and creamy white coral masks are popular beauty items. African-style hair braiding is common. Men wear cotton clothes, mostly white due to heat. Formal events see light-colored jackets and special white hats. When leaving cities, they add a brightly colored long skirt called “sarong,” common in many parts of Asia and Africa. Young people commonly wear T-shirts.
Comorian food is a delightful blend of Arab and French flavors. Meals often feature fresh seafood, vegetables, and dried aromatic spices like vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cloves, and nutmeg. Rice and fish are staple dishes. Popular meals include crab cooked in vanilla sauce and grilled goat meat. Rice is served ceremonially alongside other dishes. Similar to other African countries, a porridge snack made with cassava and dried fruits is common. Avocado, pineapple, and bananas are abundant. Another native fruit is the “jackfruit,” common in East Africa, green, juicy, aromatic, and one of the largest fruits globally, weighing up to 18 kg and 60 cm long, eaten cooked or raw, rich in protein, potassium, and vitamin B. Seeds are also consumed locally. Famous dishes include “Troya Nazi,” fried or steamed fish with cooked bananas and coconut sauce, and “Pilao,” a spicy cooked meat and rice dish.
Local celebrations mostly involve performances, music, and singing local songs based on popular literary epics and village origin stories, influenced by Arab, French, and African cultures. Handicrafts are always part of festivals. Fighting among Comorians is very rare; if it occurs, dialogue is preferred. Villages hold symbolic boxing matches called “Morengier” to ease tensions: two groups dance and drum, then a youth challenges the other. Fighters must physically resemble each other. After less than a minute of boxing, referees separate them, and conflicts end. The “Gau Temtam” ceremony is an old Comorian tradition often announcing weddings. A bull is released in the neighborhood to the sound of loud drums. Men prove bravery by performing daring acts near the angry bull.
The four islands of the Comoro Archipelago are the result of intense volcanic activity due to tectonic movements that began about eight million years ago, a very recent geological time frame. In comparison, Madagascar, a larger and older island, separated from continental masses between 70 and 120 million years ago. The islands are distributed roughly from east to west according to their age, reflected in their current geography. Mayotte (Maoré) is the oldest island in Comoros, formed about 7.7 million years ago. Its age means more time for erosion, making it relatively flat with a thick soil layer and ample fresh water.
