Swahili City-States:
Swahili city-states flourished along the East African coast from the 10th to 19th centuries. Some of the most prominent examples include:
* Kilwa Kisiwani: Located on an island off the Tanzanian coast, it was a major trading center known for its gold, ivory, and slave trade.
* Mombasa: Situated in present-day Kenya, it was another significant trading hub.
* Zanzibar: A large island off the Tanzanian coast, Zanzibar was a vital center for the spice trade.
Possible Reasons for Confusion:
* Misspelling: It's possible "Kilwan" is a misspelling of "Kilwa Kisiwani."
* Local Variation: There might be a less-known Swahili city-state with a similar name.
To clarify, please provide more context or information about "Kilwan" if possible.