The Songhai Empire

The Songhai Empire

We are continuing our journey through West Africa...

Multiple Choice

Remember: Why was Timbuktu such an important city in West Africa?

• Timbuktu was the capital of the entire continent of Africa

• Timbuktu became an educational and religious city after Mansa Musa visited Mecca

Facts:

• The Songhai Empire rose up from West Africa

• Sunni Ali was a West African King who started the empire

• The Songhai Empire was BIG.

World Map, with the Songhai Empire's territory shaded in pink.

Multiple Choice

Ghana, Mali, and Songhai all developed in which region of Africa?

• West Africa

• East Africa

• North Africa

• South Africa

Multiple Choice

What leader first established the Songhai Empire?

• Abu Bakr II

• Sunni Ali

• Mansa Musa

• Sundiata

Sunni Ali

• Expert military strategist who unified the massive Songhai Empire

• Undefeated in battle; expanded the Empire in all directions

• Took Timbuktu and Djenne for Songhai

• Did NOT live in a centrally located palace, relocated constantly with his military

Transition: Askia Muhammad The Great

Multiple Choice

What was the state religion of the Empire of Songhai?

• Christianity

• Buddhism

• Hinduism

• Islam

State Religion

• A state religion is a religion that is endorsed by the heads of state, or heads of a country (emperors, kings, etc.)

• Can be preferred or mandated (required)

Islam spreads across Trans-Saharan trade routes

Islam in West Africa

• Spread along trade routes and in cities

• Offered stability and community, union under the Empire

• Non-Muslims typically practiced indigenous African religions, including animism

Open Ended

Why do you think a head of state may want to mandate a state religion?

Hint: How would a rule that meant everyone had to follow the king's own religion affect the life of that king?

Open Ended

Can you think of any reasons a leader may NOT want to establish a state religion?

Hint: The United States does not have a state religion-why not?

Islam in West Africa cont.

• "It has been said that Islam... [diffuses] its influence most easily in centres of commerce and industry...

• It appeals to trading peoples, and to those who are almost like nomads...."

Islam in Africa cont.

"The Muslim quarters are hospitable, and are often the only place where strangers from the villages can find shelter....

There they can observe Islam in worship and life, and may take Muslim wives on conversion to the faith."

Asynchronous Work from 4/14-Is it done?

Askia Muhammad The Great-EdPuzzle

Poll

Did you finish the EdPuzzle from yesterday?

• Yep! I was prepared for class today.

• No, I'm going to work on it after this assignment.

Multiple Choice

Ghana, Mali, and Songhai all traded which TWO items?

• Gold and fish

• Gold and salt

• Gold and timber

• Gold and bronze