What Are The Changes And Continuities In West Africa
Change and Continuity in West Africa
By Celine Sawiris During the fifteenth century, West Africa embraced many different civilizations and many diverse cultures. Many countries in Africa were part of the Muslim world, including Morocco in the west and Egypt in the east. The West African kingdoms experienced many changes, such as their beliefs changing from animism to Islam, making them organized states, while these kingdoms maintained traditional methods of trade. As well as having the advantage of trade routes, all four kingdoms benefited from their natural resources, such as gold, salt, and fertile land. Although the greatest influence of the West African Kingdoms’ development in Pre-Islamic Ghana, Ghana, Mali, and Songhai resulted from …show more content…
the growth of a political organization through Islam (Religion), the growth of trade routes, methods of trading (Economics), and the richness of their natural resources (Geography) remained the same.
The West African Kingdoms of Bantu, Ghana, Mali, and Songhai maintained their traditional religion, animism, while incorporating Islam to organize its political and educational structures.
Initially, during the Pre-Islamic times, the people of Bantu believed that animals had spirits and these spirits had effects on the actual world they lived in. Those spirits could, for example, make a family’s crops wither and die, or they could prevent women from giving birth. These people were part of a stateless society. Later on, in 900-1100 ca, the Islamic influence began as the Kingdom of Ghana became centralized around a bureaucracy that included having all of the authority coming from the King. Religious ceremonies and court rituals emphasized the King’s sacredness and strengthened his rule. Most of the ministers were Muslims; responsible for taxation, royal property, foreigners, forests, and the army. The royal administration was well served by Muslim ideas, skills, and especially literacy. The Ghanaian kingdom was a great success as a state because of Islamic influence on taxation, royal property, and initiating an army. (McKay 239). Islamic influence then became more prevalent in the kingdom of Mali. Mansa Musa, their ruler, was one of the most influential rulers of the West African kingdoms due to his pilgrimage to Mecca accompanied by 60,000 people and the spectacle of the gold. Hundreds of camels were loaded with gold, as well, which depicted Mali’s wealth. Mansa Musa travelled all the way to Cairo, restricting the value of gold for a decade(WHFUA). After his return from the Hajj, Musa acknowledged a conscientious government system and enforced laws throughout the kingdom, some of which were taken directly from the Qur’an itself (Wolf Lecture). As the empire grew, Mansa Musa began assigning members of his family into positions of power, as he needed people he could trust to help run his kingdom (WHFUA). In addition, Mansa Musa returned from his pilgrimage with Arab
scholars that ensured safety on the city of Timbuktu (Wolf Lecture) that ended up being a center for Muslim learning and scholarship (WHFUA). Not only did Islam influence Ghana and Mali, but the greatest influence of Islam occurred in Songhai (Wolf Lecture). One of Songhai’s rule and expansion came from Muslim scholars who recorded the events and other forms of oral traditions. Although Islam had a huge influence on Songhai, Sonni Ali, their ruler, allowed the people from the Sonni dynasty to maintain their traditional religion (WHFUA). After having had destroyed Timbuktu, Sonni Ali was extremely hated by Muslims. This lead to Muslim leaders having had attempted to spread their influence through the support of rulers that followed Islam (WHFUA). Songhai’s reputation for Islamic scholarship grew as over a hundred Muslim schools were established in Timbuktu once it has been rebuilt; Muslim scholars came from all over the Muslim empire to study there (WHFUA). Islam helped in the forming of all four kingdoms and their political organizations.
The West African Kingdoms of Pre-Islamic Ghana, Ghana, Mali, and Songhai used the Trans-Saharan Trade Route and took advantage of the development of commodities from agriculture to slave trade to develop their economic strength. The Trans-Saharan Trade Route was means of economic development across West Africa. Between 700-900 CE the Berbers developed a network of caravan routes between the Mediterranean Coast and Sudan.These four kingdoms all went through the trans-Saharan trade routes, from west to east, moving through the kingdoms of Ghana and Songhai in the west, all the way to Cairo, Egypt in the east. Many of which were the most significant area of trade. The Kingdom of Songhai was extremely agricultural. Due to the fact that Songhai was located near the Sahel and Niger river, they were able to transport goods very easily. The empire was twice the size of Mali and extended from the ocean all along the Niger River alley (McKay 243). Timbuktu was the center of learning but also an important trade area that connected Mali and Songhai, all the way back from Bantu and Ghana. They traded salt for gold, camels to help carry all luxury goods, food for moving back and forth (to its original area), cavalry shells, and last but most importantly, they all had the ability to control the areas where gold was produced. This shows how until this day, the West African Kingdoms have many advantages that has remained the same (Wolf Lecture).
Although West African Kingdoms experienced many changes, trading methods had been a continuous factor throughout all four kingdoms. In the Pre-Islamic times, the Bantu developed a class of artisans (jewelry and leather goods, tools and weapons), farmers (made palm wine), and warriors. The King had strict control over trade, and he secured allegiances and local loyalty. The Trans-Saharan Berbers brought silk, cotton, beads, mirrors, dates, and salt, which they exchanged for gold, ivory, gum, kola nuts, and slaves. Also, slave trade has long existed in Africa, culturally part of Bantu Africa. One could become a slave if one was punished or if in debt, they could sell their children, women, or themselves into slavery. Later on, in about 300 CE, trade across the Sahara desert became more beneficial. The most beneficial of trade would be the people living between the Sahara desert and forests in tropical West Africa. They were the most profitable and were able to take advantage of the trade that ran along the trans-Saharan routes. The ruler of Ghana was outstandingly rich due to having had collected all of the taxes from the trade between the northern and southern people. Most of the people in the south traded gold in exchange for salt since it was essential for life. Both Ghana and Mali's proximity to the trade route was very helpful to its people since they were able to take advantage as well, controlling the gold and salt trade. Mali was able to force a tax upon the trade, therefore Mali became extremely wealthy. Because of its wealth, its ruler used this wealth to form an army. This included cavalry forces in order for them to conquer other areas (WHFUA).
The West African Kingdoms of Pre-Islamic Ghana, Ghana, Mali, and Songhai all were focused on their agricultural development because of the continuity of their rich natural resources (Geography). Climate, in West Africa, is a frequently overlooked circumstance. Located in the Sahel, or “edge” of the Sahara desert on its southern side, Ghana was one of the most advantageous kingdom of Africa. This region now includes parts of the countries of Mali and Mauritania. Scholars have recently drawn the connection between an increase in rainfall, which pushed the northern edge of the savannas, or grasslands, further north, and the emergence of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. The role of the Niger River as a conduit for transportation and trade is emphasized, as is the role of the three vegetation zones in shaping the development of kingdoms in. Only the south was able to grow crops. By the early 11th Century the King had power over territory about the size of Texas. Gold lead to explorers. All the gold from America comes from that part of Africa. The founder of Mali was Sundiata. Mopti was the area full of wealth. Salt was the most essential so they traded gold and salt and that still goes on today. Nomadic tuareg control the salt being sold. Slavery is traditional in Mali.
The four West African kingdoms developed through change because of Islam, while at the same time maintained their economic system of trade and the riches of their natural resources from their geographic locations. In all four kingdoms, the development of literacy resulted from the need to read and write through the Qur’an, which helped develop their political organizations.
By Celine Sawiris During the fifteenth century, West Africa embraced many different civilizations and many diverse cultures. Many countries in Africa were part of the Muslim world, including Morocco in the west and Egypt in the east. The West African kingdoms experienced many changes, such as their beliefs changing from animism to Islam, making them organized states, while these kingdoms maintained traditional methods of trade. As well as having the advantage of trade routes, all four kingdoms benefited from their natural resources, such as gold, salt, and fertile land. Although the greatest influence of the West African Kingdoms’ development in Pre-Islamic Ghana, Ghana, Mali, and Songhai resulted from …show more content…
the growth of a political organization through Islam (Religion), the growth of trade routes, methods of trading (Economics), and the richness of their natural resources (Geography) remained the same.
The West African Kingdoms of Bantu, Ghana, Mali, and Songhai maintained their traditional religion, animism, while incorporating Islam to organize its political and educational structures.
Initially, during the Pre-Islamic times, the people of Bantu believed that animals had spirits and these spirits had effects on the actual world they lived in. Those spirits could, for example, make a family’s crops wither and die, or they could prevent women from giving birth. These people were part of a stateless society. Later on, in 900-1100 ca, the Islamic influence began as the Kingdom of Ghana became centralized around a bureaucracy that included having all of the authority coming from the King. Religious ceremonies and court rituals emphasized the King’s sacredness and strengthened his rule. Most of the ministers were Muslims; responsible for taxation, royal property, foreigners, forests, and the army. The royal administration was well served by Muslim ideas, skills, and especially literacy. The Ghanaian kingdom was a great success as a state because of Islamic influence on taxation, royal property, and initiating an army. (McKay 239). Islamic influence then became more prevalent in the kingdom of Mali. Mansa Musa, their ruler, was one of the most influential rulers of the West African kingdoms due to his pilgrimage to Mecca accompanied by 60,000 people and the spectacle of the gold. Hundreds of camels were loaded with gold, as well, which depicted Mali’s wealth. Mansa Musa travelled all the way to Cairo, restricting the value of gold for a decade(WHFUA). After his return from the Hajj, Musa acknowledged a conscientious government system and enforced laws throughout the kingdom, some of which were taken directly from the Qur’an itself (Wolf Lecture). As the empire grew, Mansa Musa began assigning members of his family into positions of power, as he needed people he could trust to help run his kingdom (WHFUA). In addition, Mansa Musa returned from his pilgrimage with Arab
scholars that ensured safety on the city of Timbuktu (Wolf Lecture) that ended up being a center for Muslim learning and scholarship (WHFUA). Not only did Islam influence Ghana and Mali, but the greatest influence of Islam occurred in Songhai (Wolf Lecture). One of Songhai’s rule and expansion came from Muslim scholars who recorded the events and other forms of oral traditions. Although Islam had a huge influence on Songhai, Sonni Ali, their ruler, allowed the people from the Sonni dynasty to maintain their traditional religion (WHFUA). After having had destroyed Timbuktu, Sonni Ali was extremely hated by Muslims. This lead to Muslim leaders having had attempted to spread their influence through the support of rulers that followed Islam (WHFUA). Songhai’s reputation for Islamic scholarship grew as over a hundred Muslim schools were established in Timbuktu once it has been rebuilt; Muslim scholars came from all over the Muslim empire to study there (WHFUA). Islam helped in the forming of all four kingdoms and their political organizations.
The West African Kingdoms of Pre-Islamic Ghana, Ghana, Mali, and Songhai used the Trans-Saharan Trade Route and took advantage of the development of commodities from agriculture to slave trade to develop their economic strength. The Trans-Saharan Trade Route was means of economic development across West Africa. Between 700-900 CE the Berbers developed a network of caravan routes between the Mediterranean Coast and Sudan.These four kingdoms all went through the trans-Saharan trade routes, from west to east, moving through the kingdoms of Ghana and Songhai in the west, all the way to Cairo, Egypt in the east. Many of which were the most significant area of trade. The Kingdom of Songhai was extremely agricultural. Due to the fact that Songhai was located near the Sahel and Niger river, they were able to transport goods very easily. The empire was twice the size of Mali and extended from the ocean all along the Niger River alley (McKay 243). Timbuktu was the center of learning but also an important trade area that connected Mali and Songhai, all the way back from Bantu and Ghana. They traded salt for gold, camels to help carry all luxury goods, food for moving back and forth (to its original area), cavalry shells, and last but most importantly, they all had the ability to control the areas where gold was produced. This shows how until this day, the West African Kingdoms have many advantages that has remained the same (Wolf Lecture).
Although West African Kingdoms experienced many changes, trading methods had been a continuous factor throughout all four kingdoms. In the Pre-Islamic times, the Bantu developed a class of artisans (jewelry and leather goods, tools and weapons), farmers (made palm wine), and warriors. The King had strict control over trade, and he secured allegiances and local loyalty. The Trans-Saharan Berbers brought silk, cotton, beads, mirrors, dates, and salt, which they exchanged for gold, ivory, gum, kola nuts, and slaves. Also, slave trade has long existed in Africa, culturally part of Bantu Africa. One could become a slave if one was punished or if in debt, they could sell their children, women, or themselves into slavery. Later on, in about 300 CE, trade across the Sahara desert became more beneficial. The most beneficial of trade would be the people living between the Sahara desert and forests in tropical West Africa. They were the most profitable and were able to take advantage of the trade that ran along the trans-Saharan routes. The ruler of Ghana was outstandingly rich due to having had collected all of the taxes from the trade between the northern and southern people. Most of the people in the south traded gold in exchange for salt since it was essential for life. Both Ghana and Mali's proximity to the trade route was very helpful to its people since they were able to take advantage as well, controlling the gold and salt trade. Mali was able to force a tax upon the trade, therefore Mali became extremely wealthy. Because of its wealth, its ruler used this wealth to form an army. This included cavalry forces in order for them to conquer other areas (WHFUA).
The West African Kingdoms of Pre-Islamic Ghana, Ghana, Mali, and Songhai all were focused on their agricultural development because of the continuity of their rich natural resources (Geography). Climate, in West Africa, is a frequently overlooked circumstance. Located in the Sahel, or “edge” of the Sahara desert on its southern side, Ghana was one of the most advantageous kingdom of Africa. This region now includes parts of the countries of Mali and Mauritania. Scholars have recently drawn the connection between an increase in rainfall, which pushed the northern edge of the savannas, or grasslands, further north, and the emergence of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. The role of the Niger River as a conduit for transportation and trade is emphasized, as is the role of the three vegetation zones in shaping the development of kingdoms in. Only the south was able to grow crops. By the early 11th Century the King had power over territory about the size of Texas. Gold lead to explorers. All the gold from America comes from that part of Africa. The founder of Mali was Sundiata. Mopti was the area full of wealth. Salt was the most essential so they traded gold and salt and that still goes on today. Nomadic tuareg control the salt being sold. Slavery is traditional in Mali.
The four West African kingdoms developed through change because of Islam, while at the same time maintained their economic system of trade and the riches of their natural resources from their geographic locations. In all four kingdoms, the development of literacy resulted from the need to read and write through the Qur’an, which helped develop their political organizations.