Ghana, Mali, & Songhai Recap
Niger River & Sahara Desert Niger River helped trade & farming Sahara Desert salt mines found there
How did Islam change West Africa? Shift from matrilineal to patrilineal Weakened tribal systems Written language Arabic Inspired West Africans to travel to Muslim countries Cities became centers of Islamic learning (Muslim libraries, schools, etc.)
Ghana 1 st kingdom to arise in West Africa Became major trading center because of location between gold fields & salt mines Kings were government AND religious leaders Defeated by Almoravids
Mali Founded by Sundiata Controlled gold fields Slaves used to clear land for farming
Mali Upper classes & city-dwellers converted to Islam Expanded trade routes from West Africa into Egypt
Songhai Started as part of Mali Empire before breaking away Askia Muhammad – king who expanded Songhai Empire & spread Islam Most people Muslim Biggest kingdom (compared to Ghana & Mali)