1. Africa and the Coming of Islam
A. Common Characteristics among African Societies
1. Role of Bantu Migrations
Similar language base
2. Importance of Family ties

2. B. Arabs bringing Islam must blend with African culture
1. Matrilineal Societies in Africa
Traditional Arab society is
Patriarchal

3. 2. Slave systems Africans enslaved
Africans--adopted members of family, political advantages
Arabs enslaved non Arabs—cheap labor

4. 3. African native religions and Islam
Similarities:
One God, single creator, cannot directly know God
Differences:
Africans believe God has little impact on humans, spirits act as go between

5. Results Unique form of Islam takes root in Africa:
Faith is less restrictive
Continual reliance on spirits
Islam increases as trade increases
Took years before Arab influence has an impact
Transformation to Islam is mostly peaceful

6. C. Islam Expansion into Africa
1. North Africa
a.Conquered via Muslim Armies (Umayyad)
b. Local rule allowed to remain in power
c. Arab merchants control trade
2. West Africa (Savanna)
a. By means of trade
b. Emphasis on Muslim learning

7. Why would the Arabs want to trade with West Africans
Why would the Arabs want to trade with West Africans? Discuss possible reasons with partner. Use the map to trigger ideas. Circled area is West Africa
Arabia

8. 1. Emergence of a Unified States
Reasons:
1. Emergence of a Unified States

9. 2. Valuable Products

10. 3. Internal transportation network in place
The Berbers

11. . 3. Islam in East Africa a. Islamic port cities in a global network
Mogadishu .
a. Islamic port cities in a global network
b. Product of trade with Arabia and Persia
c. Blended language/Culture emerged:
Swahili
Mogadishu and Mombasa
Indian Ocean Network
Means Coast
Mix race: African /Arabian

12. d. Governed by independent Muslim families
e. Majority of pop. retain native beliefs
f. Islam becomes class based
Arranged into city-states
Upper Class--Muslim

13. “Non Islamic” Kingdoms in Africa during Islamic Expansion
A. Christian Based
1. Coptic Kingdom (Egypt)
Byzantine Protection
2. Ethiopia (ancient Axum)
Zagwe Dynasty-local centralized rule
Landlocked and Mountainous

14. “Other” Kingdoms in Africa during Islamic Expansion
B. Southern Half of Africa
1. Many stateless societies
2. Independent villages
Clan based/ruled by a chief
Mostly agricultural, some manufacturing

15. 3. Great Zimbabwe (Great House)
9th Century:
Emergence as a herding society
12th- 15th Century:
Height as a major gold trade partner with Swahili cultures
End of 15th Century
Disappeared

16. Complete checklist. Use notes and map to help
Region in Africa
Choose One
Arab controlled trade
Local Controlled trade
Conquered by Arabs
Independent of Arabs
Main religion was Islam
Mix of Islam and other religions
No Islam
East
West
North
South