1. Chapter 13: The Kingdoms of Africa
Part 1 – Culture and the Spread of Islam

2. Introduction: Mansa Musa and Islam in Africa
Which was the first kingdom to convert to Islam? What kingdom replaced it as the next most prominent kingdom?
A: The Kingdom of Ghana – first, great trading state in West Africa. Then, the kingdom of Mali was established and replaced Ghana as the next great kingdom
2. Who was Mansa Musa?
A: Richest and most powerful kings in Africa. Ruler of Mali from – 1337.

3. Introduction: Mansa Musa and Islam in Africa, cont.
How was Mansa Musa so successful in creating an image of prosperity for his kingdom and so important in spreading Islam throughout Western Africa as well as other regions around the world?
A: Doubled the size of Mali; created a strong central government and divided the kingdom into provinces ruled by governors; MM went on pilgrimage to Mecca – thousands of his people joined him and they gave gold gifts to their hosts and bought many local items with gold.
Made Timbuktu a center of Islamic learning and culture – built mosques, libraries, and it became the intellectual capital of the Muslim World – thousands of religious leaders, scholars, and artists from all over the Middle East and Africa came to visit.

4. Body: Chapter 13, Lesson 1 – African Society and Culture
Identity was determined by extended family and lineage groups.
Extended family – parents, children, grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc
Lineage groups – family units combined together into larger community claiming to be descended from a common real or legendary ancestor
Members of extended families and lineage groups expected to take care of each other
Matrilineal societies – society where the descent is traced through the mother’s family
2. What are some examples of similarities and differences?

5. Body: Chapter 13, Lesson 1 – African Society and Culture
3. Muslim traders and merchants introduced Muslim beliefs to trading states of Ghana, Mali, and other areas. 4. Essentially, aspects of African culture – painting/art, literature, music – were all a means of serving their religion, religious beliefs, religious leaders, and gods.

6. Influence of Islam on African Religions
How Islam Spread in Africa
 Muslim traders from nearby Arabia brought Islam to Africa
Islam was spread by Muslim traders, conquerors, missionaries, and then converted African kings
How Islam was Received in Africa
 Many African rulers allowed their people to convert to Islam
Islam did not demand conversion and was very tolerant of existing and different religions
Examples of Syncretism
syncretism means:
Blending of religions
 Tradition of spirit worship maintained from African religions
Belief in a single creator god in Islam and many African religions and gods