Islamic Effects on African Cultures

Islam in Africa Today

Terms to Know Trans-Saharan Trade = The trade of goods and cultures that took place between peoples on both sides of the Sahara Desert Mosque = Muslim place of worship Arab = anyone originally from Arabia (not always Muslim)

Topic: Culture #1 - Empire of Ghana Question – How did Ghana rise? Rich agriculture Livestock, horses and camels Active in Trans-Saharan Trade (gold/salt) Taxes made them rich Fact: Ghana reached its biggest extent around 1050 AD.

Ghana’s borders at its height c. 1050 Ghana (cont.) Present day border of Ghana Question: How did Arabs influence Ghana? Brought system of writing and numbers New schools, spread Arabic language, calligraphy Ghanaians agreed with Arabic beliefs of trust and peaceful trade Kings switched to Islam, but kept African customs Ghana’s borders at its height c. 1050

Notes From a Visitor to Present Day Ghana “From Accra I went to the Northern region. In Tamale I had the opportunity to see a group performing traditional dances. Next stop was Mole National Park, the largest animal reserve in Ghana. More than 90 mammals and 300 bird species have been recorded in Mole. You are not allowed to go into the park on your own. The friendly and armed guides are helping you to trace the animals. During my visit in Mole I saw different kinds of antilope, warthog, crocodile, different kind of monkeys and of course the big African elephant. There is a small group of elephants living close to the hotel and sometimes they visit the hotel area.”

Mole National Park

People of Ghana

Topic: Culture #2 - Empire of Mali Question: How did Mali begin? Credit one man: Sundiata Keita, (“Lion Prince”.) He defeated the last King of Ghana and became ruler. Keita improved agriculture techniques, and expanded trade along the Niger. Late 1300’s = Mali was 3x’s bigger then Ghana ever was.

Topic: Mali (cont.) Question: How did Arabs influence Mali? Kings adopted Islam and spread it Swahili = A culture and language that are a blend of African and Islam Taught them about credit Built great mosques (??) Ancient Mali face mask

Comparing Mosques Which one is located in the Middle East? Which one is located in Mali?

Mali’s great ruler, Mansa Musa Topic: Mali (cont.) Question: Who was Mansa Musa? Last great ruler of Mali (1312-1337) Muslim who let others practice their own religions Made famous trip to Mecca (to show off) Mali’s great ruler, Mansa Musa

Mali (cont.) Question: How did Mansa Musa help Mali prosper? Spread the Muslim religion, education Mansa Musa won key battles and expanded Mali Improved gold/salt trade Present Day Mali

Mali (cont.) Question: Where is Timbuktu? Timbuktu = a major city/trading post in the Sahara. Grew huge because of Muslim traders at the peak of Mali Became the greatest place of Muslim teaching in Africa.

Ancient Mali homes built into the side of a cliff Mali (cont.) Question: Why did Mali fall? After Musa died, Mali’s kings were not able to defend the kingdom The Songhai people revolted against their oppressors, claimed Mali land Ancient Mali homes built into the side of a cliff