Influence of Trans-Saharan Caravan Trade

Learning Target 7.14 I can draw evidence from informational texts to describe the role of the trans-Saharan caravan trade in the changing religious and cultural characteristics of West Africa and the influence of Islamic beliefs, ethics, and law.

1. Why were the Berbers significant in the history of West Africa? The Berbers were significant in the history of West Africa because they established trade routes between North Africa and West Africa. They also introduced the religion of Islam to the people of West Africa.

2. What language did Arab merchants introduce to West Africa? Arab merchants introduced the Arabic language to West Africa.

3. Summarize three ways the religion of Islam influenced the religious practices of West Africa. Some rulers and upper class people began to practice Islam instead of their own religion. Some people blended Islam with their own religion, eventually creating a new type of Islam. Some West Africans completed a hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, to show their commitment to the Islam. This trip is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Mansa Musa’s Hajj

4. How did Muslim and West African artists combine their techniques 4. How did Muslim and West African artists combine their techniques? Provide at least two examples. In West Africa, Islamic mosques included minarets (an Islamic feature), but were built of mud brick (a West African feature). Berbers introduced new weaving techniques, which West Africans added to their own weaving styles. West Africans added more geometric designs to the patterns of their art.

Islamic Mosque at Djenne

5. How did government in West Africa change after the introduction of Islam? West African rulers started basing laws on Islamic ideas about right and wrong. Sometimes, there was a compromise between Islamic and traditional laws and beliefs. One emperor appointed Muslim judges to hear court cases.