1.2. The development of Songhay; Sonni Ali and the Askia Dynasty Flashcards
What characterized the rule of Sonni Ali?
Political and military imperialism
Emphasis on traditional religious beliefs and brutal treatment of Muslims in Timbuktu.
Who succeeded Sonni Ali and became king in 1493?
Mohammed Toure
He challenged Sonni Baru and declared a jihad after Sonni Ali’s death.
What was the significance of Askia in the Songhay army?
A rank in the Songhay army with origins dating back to the 13th century
Mohammed Toure took this title for his new dynasty.
Define ‘neptocracy’ as it relates to the Songhay Empire.
A system where rulers and high officers are mostly direct descendants of Askia Mohammed
Centralized power with a specific group holding authority.
What was the size of the Songhay Empire under Askia Mohammed?
The size of Europe
Largest state in the history of West Africa.
What were the two parts of Askia Mohammed’s army?
Western provinces based in Timbuktu and eastern provinces based in Gao
Division allowed for better management of the large empire.
What economic activities characterized the Songhay Empire under Askia Mohammed?
Exporting gold, slaves, and agricultural produce
In exchange for cloth, salt, and horses.
What was a major consequence of factionalism in the Songhay Empire?
Periodic civil wars and weakened central authority
Disaffected members of the Sonni dynasty challenged the ruling power.
How did Askia Mohammed differ from Sonni Ali in terms of religion?
He was an orthodox Muslim, promoting Islam
Encouraged learning and resettlement in Timbuktu.
What was the significance of Askia Mohammed’s pilgrimage to Mecca in 1496?
Legitimized his rule and established diplomatic relations with Mecca
Appointed Caliph of western Sudan.
What was the role of the Kanfari in Askia Mohammed’s administration?
Viceroy for the western provinces
Appointed to his brother, Umar Komdiahka.
What educational advancements occurred during Askia Mohammed’s reign?
Restoration of the University of Sankore and establishment of 180 Koranic schools
Attracted Muslim scholars from Egypt and Morocco.
What system of government did Askia Mohammed implement?
Centralized and efficient bureaucracy with appointed ministers
Focused on tax collection and administration of justice.
What was the impact of Askia Mohammed’s governance on agriculture?
Demanded canals be built and introduced weights and measures
Improved agricultural efficiency.
Fill in the blank: Askia Mohammed’s military campaigns were often aimed at _______.
Booty
What was the outcome of factionalism among Askia Mohammed’s sons?
Bloody power struggles and instability in succession
Many sons became rivals for power.
What happened to Musa, the son of Askia Mohammed, after his father’s decline?
Became the next Askia and killed rival brothers
Showed the dangerous nature of royal succession.
What did Askia Mohammed’s emphasis on learning achieve in Timbuktu?
Cultural enrichment and establishment of intellectual centers
Flourished under his rule with many scholars.
True or False: Askia Mohammed maintained the traditional faith of his people.
False
He promoted Islam and distanced from Sonni Ali’s policies.
Who led the group of brothers trying to bring a change of king in Gao?
Musa
What did Musa demand publicly in 1529?
Power be given to him
Who was the next Askia after Musa?
Askia Muhammad Bonkama
What was Askia Muhammad Bonkama known for in court?
Furnishing the court splendidly and humiliating Askia Mohammed’s daughters
What did Askia Muhammad Bonkama do to Askia Mohammed?
Imprisoned him on a mosquito-infested island
Who overthrew Askia Bonkama in 1537?
Ismail, one of Askia Mohammed’s sons
What was a notable characteristic of Askia Ishaq I’s reign?
Inspiring fear and anxiety while demanding money from merchants
What did Askia Dawud accomplish during his reign?
Restored stability and prosperity in the Songhay Empire
What was the title of the military commander in the western empire?
Balma’a
What was the role of the hi-koi?
High-ranking military officer responsible for all river traffic
Why did Sonni Ali and the Askia often leave indigenous tributary rulers to govern outlying provinces?
To maintain control while allowing local governance
What was the structure of the Songhay Empire’s government?
Divided into provinces with governors and Islamic courts
What was the main source of government income in the Songhay Empire?
Tribute from provinces and taxes on trade
What were the core staple imports in the Songhay Empire?
Textiles, horses, salt, and luxury goods
What was the significance of agriculture and the Niger flood plain to the Songhay Empire?
Essential for food production and trade
What system allows the eldest son to inherit privileges upon the death of a father?
Primogeniture
What role did eunuchs play in the Songhay Empire?
Important positions in the civil service
Why did slaves form the bedrock of development in the Songhay Empire?
Provided labor for agriculture and state projects
Why were most slaves in the Songhay Empire non-Islamic?
Raided from stateless peoples to the south
What was a common reason for seasonal military operations in the Songhay Empire?
Dry season raids for captives
What were the attitudes towards slavery during Sonni Ali’s reign?
Used free Muslims as slaves to insult local clerics
Who was more significant in the development of the Songhay Empire?
Sonni Ali or Askia Mohammed
