Street Level: A collection of Drawings and Creative Writing Inspired by Dar es Salaam

“Street Level” is a collection of drawings and creative writing illustrated and compiled by artist Sarah Markes. It pays homage to the dynamic city of Dar es Salaam – its architecture, inhabitants and natural environment.

Now in its 3rd edition, the book’s aims and continues to both document the contemporary life of Dar – its colourful population, street vendors, transport and cuisine – as well as to raise awareness of the threats to its heritage and environment from rapid, poorly-planned and erratically regulated redevelopment.

Karen Moon – an architectural historian, provides historical background through a fascinating introductory chapter and captions to the architectural illustrations. Heritage conservation and regeneration specialists, Simon Odunga and Jeremy Cross outline some of the complexities of architectural conservation in the city.

This edition includes insight into the current state of heritage awareness and preservation from Aida Mulokozi & Annika Seifert of DARCH – The Dar Centre for Urban Heritage.

“This book is an important contribution to alerting Dar es Salaam’s residents and admirers of just how much we could lose.”
–Donatius M. Kamamba, Director of Antiquities, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism

“A truly delightful book, a must for those who love Dar and those who care about its history.”
–MG Vassanji, Giller Prize-Winning Author

About the Artist:

Sarah Markes uses art, design and writing to support conservation efforts. She studied graphic design and illustration at Central St. Martins College of Art in London, since when her work included collaboratively creating educational comic books, awareness campaigns, radio shows and schoolbooks covering public health, human rights and environmental issues in Malawi, Tanzania, Southern Sudan and Zambia. More recently, she spent eight years working for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in East Africa, before joining Oxford University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU). Sarah’s work blends artistry with advocacy, celebrating heritage, culture, and the natural environment. 

She has published two other books with Mkuki na Nyota: Sea Level – A Portrait of Zanzibar which highlights the island’s natural beauty and cultural wealth and Safari – An Illustrated Celebration of East African Fauna and Flora which showcases the region’s unique biodiversity.