The Growth of Islam in West Africa

​The Rise of Songhai

​Gao is the capital of the Muslim kingdom of Songhai

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In 1464 the great king became Sunni Al Ber

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He was able to extend his empire along the Niger River, bc he had a fleet of war canoes patrol the river.

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​The Conquest of Timbuktu

​Sunni Ali Ber's goal was to conquer the rich Muslim city of Timbuktu.

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Timbukto cash flow came from:

gold in the south

&& salt in the north

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In 1468 Sunni Ali Ber's army approached Timbuktu

Scholars were horrified by Sunni Ali's harshness and described him as a horrible tyrant"​

​cavalry: mounted troops

​infantry: soldiers on foot

tyrant: a cruel ruler who uses his power without any limits.

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​The Siege of Djenne

​The city of Djenne was wealthy bc it was surrounded by water.

It was well defended and had never been conquered.

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It became Suni Ali Ber's next target, as he and his soldiers surrounded the city in a siege.

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A siege: is a military plan in which the attacking ​army cuts off supplies to the defenders.

​The Siege of Djenne

​The people of Djenne held out for 7 years, 7 months, and 7 days.

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When their food ended was when they gave up subhanallah.

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By capturing Djenne, Songhai became the most dominate in the trans-Saharan trade. ​

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​The Spread of Islam and Arabic

​Islam influenced life in Songhai

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Askia Muhammad: took control of Songhai, he was a devout Muslim who set out to conquer new lands and spread Islam.

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​Pilgimage and War???

​Askia Muhammad also went on a pilgrimage to Mecca

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He took 300,000 pieces of gold and gave much of it away

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However, when he returned from Mecca, he attacked the Mossi people, who lived south of Songhai.

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read quote on pg 156​

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​Islamic Law & Scholarship

​Askia Muhammed strengthened Islam within Songhai by appointing judges and enforcing laws.

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Songhais laws were written in Arabic

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Scholarships were encouraged.

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Askia Muhammad gave money and gifts to support Islamic studies ​

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Arabic provided a common language for traders to arrange deals and keep records. ​

​The decline of Songhai

​after 1591 the glory of Songhai faded.

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Soldiers from Morocco invaded ​Songhai

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The Moroccans captured Timbuktu

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read quote on pg 158

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Please work on check your progress questions, all of 1 & 2 ​independently and quietly.