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How did Songhay develop politically, socially and economically? Pages 50…
How did Songhay develop politically, socially and economically? Pages 50-54
Political development
The Songhay empire was divided into large provinces, with a professional fighting force to ensure that tribute was paid.
The government was divided into urban districts, containing at least 35 cities.
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There was a court with a system of judges called qadis- the regime was administered by the Niger valley directly through appointed royal officials, leaving tributary rulers to govern outlying provinces.
Social development
Djenne- a major city, surrounded by a network of streams and canals
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The caste system
It was clear that within Songhay there were several layers of social status. The royal family were considered to be of noble birth. The royals ruled the empire while local nobility carried out functions that were of lower levels of government.
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Freemen were made up of craftsmen and Muslim clerics, who held a position of religious authority.
Economical development
The main sources of government income consisted of tribute from provinces, produce from royal farms and taxes on trade.
Gold, kola nuts and slaves were traded for salt, cloth, cowries and horses.
Cloth was woven from towns such as Djenne and Timbuktu- adding to the importance of Sonni Ali's ability to conquer them.
For success of development- the gold exports increased, as well as that of kola nuts and slaves. Trade expanded.