Mohammed Iqbal Dar, the originator of the name “Tanzania,” has died at 80 in the UK. He had health issues for years but remained connected to Tanzania through humanitarian work and visits. Born in Tanga, he suggested the name for the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar as a student in 1964, earning recognition and awards.
Mohammed Iqbal Dar, the individual who coined the name “Tanzania,” passed away at the age of 80 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. He had been residing in the UK since 1965 and faced health challenges for nearly a decade, which impaired his mobility in his later years.
Born on August 8, 1944, in Tanga, Tanzania, Mr. Dar was the son of Dr. Tufail Ahmad Dar, a prominent physician known throughout the nation. He received his education at H.H. The Aga Khan School and Mzumbe Secondary School in Tanzania before continuing on to higher education.
In 1964, while he was still a student, Mr. Dar responded to a newspaper advertisement inviting suggestions for the name of the new union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar. His submission of the name “Tanzania” was selected as the winning entry, for which he received a Sh200 award (approximately $280 in 1964) and a medal presented by the then Minister for Information, Sheikh Idrisa Abdul Wakil.
Mr. Dar detailed how he derived the name: he combined the first three letters of “Tanganyika” (TAN) with those of “Zanzibar” (ZAN), and incorporated the letter “I” from his name, Iqbal, along with an “A” to signify his affiliation with the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.
Despite his relocation to the United Kingdom, Mr. Dar maintained strong ties to Tanzania, returning frequently to support humanitarian initiatives across various communities. He was also an active participant in religious gatherings in Tanzania.
Mohammed Iqbal Dar’s legacy as the creator of the name “Tanzania” leaves an indelible mark on the nation. His academic beginnings and impactful contributions continue to resonate within Tanzania and the expatriate community. His commitment to humanitarian efforts exemplifies his dedication to fostering connection and support for his homeland, even from afar.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
