Here's a more detailed breakdown:
* Origins: Swahili culture emerged from the interaction of Bantu-speaking people (who lived in the interior) and Arab traders who came from the Arabian Peninsula. This interaction started as early as the 7th century AD.
* Coastal Cities: Major Swahili city-states like Kilwa, Mombasa, Zanzibar, and Malindi flourished between the 10th and 16th centuries, becoming important centers of trade and cultural exchange.
* Influence: Swahili culture absorbed elements from both Arabic and Bantu cultures, resulting in a unique blend of languages, traditions, customs, and art.
* Language: The Swahili language, a Bantu language heavily influenced by Arabic, became the lingua franca of the East African coast and is now spoken by millions across the region.
* Spread: Swahili culture and language spread further inland through trade, migration, and colonization. Today, it remains a prominent cultural force in East Africa.
Therefore, Swahili culture is considered to be a product of the unique blend of cultures and influences along the East African coast.