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Islam's influence in Songhay - Coggle Diagram
Islam's influence in Songhay
Askia Mohammed
The Askia Dynasty
1493- Askia dynasty began and Askia was the new title for the dynasty. All rulers became direct descendants.
Modelled Songhay's state on the Islamic Empire of Mali
Muslim quadis(judges) appointed
Education
Restored Uni of Sankore where muslim scholars were appointed to teach which led to 25,000 students.
180 Koranic schools in Timbuktu with 20,000 pupils
Timbuktu
Devout muslim and opposed the way that they were treated in Timbuktu under Sonni Ali
Dissociated from Sonni Ali's policies and encouraged resettlements
1496 Hajj to Mecca gave him title of Caliph of Western Sudan which legitmised the Askia dynasty
Was able to grow diplomatic relations with Gao and Mecca
The concept of power
Rulers of Songhay must act justly and a failure to do so would be interpreted as renouncing faith causing and justifying revolt.
Therefore Askias needed to retain support of religious authorities
The importance of Western areas
Area between Djenne and Timbuktu were very important because the towns were pivotal for the trans-saharan gold trade
Sonni Ali's military campaigns in the area had threatened the prosperity of the trade, concerning Askia Mohammed when trying to restore the stability
Him and successors were able to do so
Islamic support
Timbuktu- Islamic support retained loyalty in Southern Saharan area- link to trade
Askia dynasty- marriage ties strengthened relations. Askia Mohammed and Askia Dawud married daughters to nomad chiefs- Dawud married some daughters to members of the religious state.
How much influence did Islam have?
Limited influence
Scholars could exercise power but only subtly, and their advice was sought after but only through spiritual matter
State policy was mainly influences by military commands and not Islam
Larger influence
AM did make Islam law the instrument of political machinery in western parts of the empire- not the whole empire- western parts were areas linked to trade
Muslim clerics provided the legal support that was necessary to sustain the government.
Timbuktu
Changing relations
Change from Ali not needing them- led to gold traders and scholars fleeing, AM re-established relations where Timbuktu went on to achieve the greatest prosperity
Growth
Public libraries established, classes taught at Great Mosque, each teacher an expert in a number of texts- education
1591 Timbuktu declined after invasion of Songhay as Islam scholars and leaders left
highlighting importance of ISLAM
Criminal Justice
Political impact on Songhay as justice was based on Islam principles
FE quadis had to follow Sharia law when maintaining order and Askias were
only used as judges in special circumstances highlighting less relevance