Influence of West Africa Modified Quiz

What protected Ghana from being conquered by Muslim armies in the 700s?

• strong walls
• elite warriors
• a peace treaty
• the Sahara Desert

Which group introduced Islam to West Africa?

• Portuguese
• Arab Merchants
• Bantu
• Mountain salt miners

The West African empires of Mali and Ghana were established near this river:

• Niger River
• Nile River
• Tigris River
• Tiber River

Arabic language became the official language of what areas? 

•  families and friends
• everyday language
• trade and religion 

Islamic influence led to a 

• decrease in schools and universities 
• highly centralized government where leaders had more control than local chiefs
• growth in small tribal villages

Islamic religious practices included all but  

• studying the Qur’an 
• C. praying to the spirits of ancestors
•  praying to God in Arabic 

West Africans used ______________ to decorate objects with words or verses from the  Qur’an. 

• paint
• scultptures
• calligraphy

People who follow the Islamic faith are called  

• Mande
• Christians 
• Muslims

Many of West Africa’s rulers converted to Islam.  What does convert mean?  

• they changed their beliefs 
• they wanted to keep books rare and precious
• they built new mosques, schools, and libraries

What was the city of Timbuktu known for?  

•  its community of scholars, learning and universities  
• its hidden gold mines  
• its productive salt mines