The Sultan of Zanzibar was the ruler of the island of Zanzibar, located off the coast of East Africa. This title was held by members of the Al Bu Sa'id dynasty, which began in the 17th century. The Sultanate played a significant role in the spice trade and was a center for commerce in the Indian Ocean. The Sultanate reached its peak in the 19th century under Sultan Said bin Sultan, who expanded its influence and territory. However, the British Empire gradually took control of the region, leading to the abolition of the Sultanate in 1964, following the Zanzibar Revolution.