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 newest 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 studied graphic design and illustration at Central St. Martins College of Art in London before starting to work and travel as an illustrator and graphic designer. She moved to Malawi in 1998 where she explored using her creative skills in a variety of educational media from comic books to training manuals and radio shows. She lived in Dar es Salaam from 2002 to 2015, working in educational publishing, public health communication and environmental awareness projects while trying to inspire conservation of the country’s unique cultural and natural heritage through artwork. She currently lives in Zanzibar and may eventually publish the follow-up book to this – ‘Sea Level’.

www.sarahmarkes.com | www.darsketches.wordpress.com