Chapter 16 Section 2 Muslim Empires of West Africa

Rise of Mali• Triumph of Sundiata

– After Ghana fell, the small kingdoms it once ruled competed for power

– In 1203, Sumanguru took over– The Malinke people grew tired of Sumanguru’s

rule and Sundiata created a new empire in 1235, Mali

• A New Empire– Sundiata was a wise ruler that called himself

mansa, or emperor– He ruled with an assembly of kings– The assembly put forth a set of laws that dealt

with social classes, property rights, environment, and personal conduct

Mali at its Height• Mansa Musa’s Hajj

– Mansa Musa was emperor of Mali during its prosperous time from 1312-1337 CE

– Mansa Musa went on a hajj, or religious journey, to the holy city of Mecca• He brought 12,000 officials and slaves and

more than 80 camels loaded with bags of gold dust

• He spent so much gold in Cairo that it upset the economy of Egypt for years

• Brought attention to his empire

• Muslim culture in Mali– Mansa Musa brought home Muslim

scholars, artists, and teachers– Tombouctou became center for Islamic

scholarship• Expansion of Mali

– At its height, covered an area about the size of Western Europe

– Population of roughly 50 million

Rise of the Songhai Empire• Conquests of Ali– Rulers of Mali began losing

control in the 1400’s– When they lost control of Gao,

Songhai grew in power under the Muslim leader Sunni Ali

– Sunni Ali was a great military leader• Conquered Tombouctou and

Djenne• Took control of the Trans-Saharan

trade routes

• The Largest Empire• Songhai became the largest of

West Africa’s trading empires

• Islamic Law and Scholarship– “Salt comes from the north, gold

from the south, and silver from the country of white men, but the word of God and the treasures of wisdom are only to be found in Tombouctou.”

– Arabic was and remains the language of scholarship for millions of people

– Commercial success soared through the use of a common language

• Decline of Songhai– Sons of the ruler Askia Muhammad

fought for power and weakened the empire

– Songhai came to end in 1591 CE when Morocco invaded, armed with guns

• Family, Agriculture, and Religion– Millions of Africans speak

the languages of Mali and Songhai

– Griots still sing about the achievements of great kings

– Families still form the basis of society

– Markets and farming remain key parts of the economy

– Islam continues to be a major influence