1. DBQ Comparing East and West Africa 600-1450

3. Document #1 Arab trader’s description of the Swahili Coast
This merchant identifies the role of the ivory trade in Africa’s East coast, he looks at the long-distance trade of Indian Ocean from Oman to China and India ( all being part of Muslim lands.The mention of the Zanj (land of the blacks) and their hunting of elephants with spears suggests an ethnocentric tone, however the lure of trade is the purpose of his writing with the intention to draw more Arab merchants in.

4. Document #2 Al-Bakri’s description of Ghana.
As a Arab, Spanish Muslim, BakriHe marvels at the urban planning, location of Mosques and centers
of justice and the gold-salt trade in which there is a large amount of gold. His purpose may be to
draw the siginificance of trade in a global context to hi fellow merchants and supporters who are
also Muslims and merchants as Arab merchants provided 2/3 of Gold coming into Europe and the
Middle East from Ghana. Like Document #1, Bakri’s intention is the draw of trade (in this case Gold)
from Ghana but more respectfully as many of its inhabitants are fellow Muslims.

5. Document #3 Ibn Battuta’s description of the Swahili coast
As a traveler, pilgrim and Qadi (Muslim judge), Ibn was warmly welcomed to the various regions
Throughout Dar Al Islam. He refers to its inhabitants as pious (deeply religious) honorable and upright (all
Deep compliments from this holy man), He differentiates the Muslim Zanj from the “heathen” Zanj”
Who were constantly in conflict and evaluates the great advances of Muslim mosques in Kilwa. His
Purpose is to glorify (like doc #2) the great Muslim advances in Africa (this is East Coast like doc #1)

6. Document #4 Ibn Battuta in West Africa on justice
As a Qadi (Muslim judge) he is definitely impressed with the administration of Sharia (Muslim law).The
Complerte security of the country (unlike fights in East Africa in document #3) impresses Ibn as people’s
Safety is only surpassed by their respect of fellow Muslims (like the Arabs) and their attention to Friday
Prayers, mosque attendance and recitation of Quranic prayers. Very similar to his admiration in
Document #3.

7. Document #5 Spanish map of the extent to which Mansa Musa’s Pilgrimage and Gold-salt trade influenced European perception of Africa
This document was utilize by European merchants to highlight the great amount of Gold coming
Out of Africa in the 14th century. Europe was engaging in a commercial revolution and became
Increasingly more interested in gaining gold for their economy ( approximately 2/3 of all European
Gold came from Arab traders in Africa). Made Mansa was the wealthiest man in the world
Giving so much away it was devalued in Cairo (along his pilgrimage routes) for 20 years. Musa
Subsequently established the great trading city of Timbuktu where Islamic scholarship was valued
More than Gold.

8. Document #6 A Portugese merchant desiring to gain access to Swahili trade in Kilwa
This European merchant in 1505 is engaging in the European age of exploration and is attempting
To tap into the pre-existing Indian Ocean trade. He views all of the sound urban planning, regulation
Of trade and gold and silver (precious metal or bullionism became part of Europe’s capitalist commercial
Economy). He views similar to Ibn Battuta in Doc #3, however as a Christian wanting wealth and
Conversion, his purpose is different.

9. Document #7 Spanish Arab Scholar on Timbuktu
This scholar marvels at the peace and prosperity of Mali’s capital and how their Muslim assimilation
In veiling and justice is strong. He illustrates the power of the King through military and tribute and the
Wealth that is derived for many through trade (Trans-Saharan Gold/Salt) as well as the urban planning
Which makes Timbuktu a thriving commercial urban center. This can be grouped in political, economic
Or cultural and ,like most of the documents, favorably either for the purpose of tying Africa into the
Muslim world or for trading purposes (perhaps both)

10. Thesis: Comparing views of East and West Africa 900-1500
The introduction of Islam from increasingly integrated both East and West Africa into the wider
World. The location along major trade routes ( Trans-Sahara, Mediterranean and Indian Ocean) saw many
Merchants interested in their riches and opportunities, Muslim scholars marveled at the assimilation of
Muslim laws, architecture and religious fervor while others saw the vestigial elements of older “heathen”
Practices. While the Muslim world would see the riches of Africa initially, the introduction of European
Interest in African trade would see an increased interaction with newer European merchants first indirectly
And then directly.