The kingdom of Mali: Unit 2: pg. 44 - 49

Question 1

What were the first 3 rulers of Mali?

Answer 1

1. The Mandinka Prince, Sundiata Keita
2. Abubakar II
3. Mansa Musa

Question 2

How did Mansa Musa make the Mali Kingdom powerful? (4 points)

Answer 2

1. He united the area by bringing Timbuktu and Gao under Malian control. Under his rule, Islam became a official religion.
2. He built a strong economy for Mali. He encouraged trade between his kingdom and North Africa and parts of Europe. Gold was the main commodity, but other products like kola nuts, salt and ivory made Mali very rich.
3. He encouraged education. He sent many young people to Muslim institutions to study.
4. He had a decentralised government system. Under his rule, the empire was divided into provinces, each ruled by a governor.

Question 3

What does the Muslim law require?

Answer 3

That all the faithful visit Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

Question 4

Where did Mansa Musa’s caravan stop?

Answer 4

In Cairo, Egypt.

Question 5

What was the results of Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca? (5 points)

Answer 5

1. News of his wealth reached Europe. European mapmakers began to include Mali on their maps.
2. His pilgrimage attracted the interest of North African traders in West Africa. They increased their trade with Mali and other West African kingdoms.
3. He bought a Muslim architect, Abu Ishaq Es-Sahei, to Mali. He also introduced new methods of construction to Mali, such as using burnt bricks and North African roofs.
4. Mali became famous and many ambassadors form Arabia, Egypt, and Morocco came to Mali.
5. Cities developed in Mali, producing an educated and respected population.

Question 6

What is the Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali?

Answer 6

The Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali is the largest mud brick building in the world.

Question 7

Was the Great Mosque of Djenné named a World Heritage Site?

Answer 7

Yes.