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The West African Kingdom of Mali

In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms:

Trans-Saharan TradeMansa MusaPilgrimage

The Five Pillars of Islam

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After the demiseof Ghana, theWest African

Kingdom of Maliemerged as

a greattrading empire.

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Trans-Saharan Trade

• The Trans-Saharan trade was a trade across the Sahara desert.

• This trade connected North Africa and West Africa.

• North African salt and other goods were exchanged for West African gold.

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The Trans-Saharan trade connectedNorth Africa and West Africa.

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The Kingdom of Mali

• The rulers of Mali took control of the gold fields.

• By controlling the gold fields, the rulers of Mali greatly increased the kingdom’s revenue.

• Traders entering and exiting the kingdom were also taxed.

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Mansa Musa was a great king of Mali.

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Mansa Musa

• The most powerful king of Mali was Mansa Musa.

• Mansa Musa set up a great center of learning in Timbuktu.

• He also expanded the empire.

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A great center for learning was established in Timbuktu.

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Conversion to Islam

• Mansa Musa converted to Islam.

• He made a pilgrimage to Mecca. Pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

• During his pilgrimage, Mansa Musa gave away a tremendous amount of gold.

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Mansa Musa was a famous ruler ofMali. He expanded his empire,

established a great center for learning,and made a pilgrimage to Mecca.

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The Five Pillars

• The Five Pillars of Islam:

1. Belief in One God2. Pray five times a day facing the holy city

of Mecca3. Fasting during Ramadan4. Charity to the Poor5. Pilgrimage or holy trip to Mecca

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The Hajj isthe pilgrimageto Mecca. AMuslim must

visit Mecca, thebirthplace of theProphet, once in

his lifetime, if able.

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Mecca is a holy city toMuslims. It

is the birthplaceof the ProphetMuhammad.

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Questions for Reflection:

• What was the Trans-Saharan trade and how did it increase cultural diffusion?

• Who was the most significant ruler of Mali and why was he important?

• Why did this ruler take a pilgrimage to Mecca?

• What are the Five Pillars of Islam?