Lets Talk African History:"Sahel" West African Civilizations

[thekingsmen]

Been to mali and the history is....

 

[thekingsmen]

I know he gets alot of coverage than any other person but he's that dude..

Musa, Mansa (1280-1337)


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Fourteenth Century Italian Map of West Africa
Showing Mansa Musa
Image Ownership: Public Domain​

Mansa Musa, fourteenth century emperor of the Mali Empire, is the medieval African ruler most known to the world outside Africa. His elaborate pilgrimage to the Muslim holy city of Mecca in 1324 introduced him to rulers in the Middle East and in Europe. His leadership of Mali, a state which stretched across two thousand miles from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Chad and which included all or parts of the modern nations ofMauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Chad, ensured decades of peace and prosperity in Western Africa.
In 1312 Musa became emperor following the death of his predecessor, Abu-Bakr II. When he was crowned, he was given the name Mansa meaning king. Mansa Musa was knowledgeable in Arabic and was described as a Muslim traditionalist. He became the first Muslim ruler in West Africa to make the nearly four thousand mile journey to Mecca. Preparing for the expedition took years and involved the work of artisans in numerous towns and cities across Mali. In 1324 Musa began his pilgrimage with a entourage of thousands of escorts. He also brought considerable amounts of gold, some of which was distributed along the journey.
Accompanied by thousands of richly dressed servants and supporters Musa made generous donations to the poor and to charitable organizations as well as the rulers of the lands his entourage crossed. On his stop inCairo, Egypt, the Emperor gave out so much gold that he generated a brief decline in its value. Cairo’s gold market recovered over a decade later.
Upon his return from Mecca, Mansa Musa brought Arab scholars, government bureaucrats, and architects. Among those who returned with him was the architect Ishaq El Teudjin who introduced advanced building techniques to Mali. He designed numerous buildings for the Emperor including a new palace named Madagou, the mosque at Gao, the second largest city in Mali, and the still-standing great mosque at Timbuktu, the largest city in the empire. That mosque was named the Djinguereber. El Teudjin’s most famous design was the Emperor’s chamber at the Malian capital of Niani.
Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage boosted Islamic education in Mali by adding mosques, libraries, and universities. The awareness of Musa by other Islamic leaders brought increased commerce and scholars, poets, and artisans, making Timbuktu one of the leading cities in the Islamic world during the time when the most advanced nations from Spain to central India were Muslim. Timbuktu was clearly the center of Islamic Sub-Saharan Africa.
Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca brought Mali to the attention of Europe. For the next two centuries Italian, German, and Spanish cartographers produced maps of the world which showed Mali and which often referenced Mansa Musa. The first of these maps appeared in Italy in 1339 with Mansa Musa’s name and likeness.
Mansa Musa died in 1337 after a twenty-five year reign. He was succeeded by his son, Maghan I.

 

[MaLi]

Very informative and balanced video.




Timestamps from the link:
00:00 = Intro
00:50 = The Empire of Ghana
06:18 = Djenne-Djenno
09:53 = Ghana,the land of gold
14:15 = Ghana, a trading empire
17:15 = The spread of Islam in West Africa
19:46 = The fall of the Ghana Empire
23:13 = The Empire of Mali
27:21 = Timbuktu
28:45 = Djenne
36:15 = Mansa Musa
38:07 = Traveller's testimonies of West African empire
42:20 = Timbuktu
46:17 = Islamic and Scholar center of sub-saharan Africa
01:01:30 = The Songhay Empire
01:10:06 = The legacy of West African Empires

 

[Apollo Creed]

My Mande Ancestors

 

[Bawon Samedi]

Nice info @Sonni

 

[Bawon Samedi]

What most don't realize is that it was white Europeans and other non-Africans that were predominate as slaves of the Trans Sahara trade during this time...

More importantly Mansa Musa and others imported non-African slaves.


"Ibn Bhutta, who lived in West Africa for some years during the Mid-14th century, reported that the Mansa of Mali had an elite bodyguard of 300 slave recruited soldiers. These Mamluks are believed to have included Turks and other Northerners, perhaps even some Europeans"....
From Historical Atlas of the Islamic World, by David Nicolle

"It is interesting to note the great demand of the Mali people for Turkish, Ethiopian, and other slave-girls, and also for eunuchs and Turkish boys. The slave trade thus went in both directions."
- The Cambridge history of Africa: From c. 1600 to c. 1790, pp 90

In the 1300's al~Umari wrote that behind the mansa of Mali's throne "stand some thirty Turkish [Mamluk] or other mercenaries, purchased for him in Cairo. One of them holds a silk parasol in his hand, surmounted by a cupola and a gold bird representing a sparrow hawk." Translation by D.T. Niane.

 

[Bawon Samedi]

I believe I already said this, but again Mali as far as it seems as majority indigenous beliefs or their Islam was mixed with idignous beliefs. It was never some extreme Sharia Law like state.

The religion of Islam was an important part of the Mali Empire. However, even though the kings, or Mansas, had converted to Islam, they did not force their subjects to convert. Many people practiced a version of Islam that combined Islamic beliefs with the local traditions.

Read more at: Ancient Africa for Kids: Empire of Ancient Mali

Mansa Musa even allowed different religious customs in his OWN court.

Like the Mali kings before him, Musa was a Muslim. But most of his people were not Muslims, so he supported the religion of the Mandinka people as well as Islam. Different religious customs and ceremonies were allowed at his court.

West Africa Before the Colonial Era: A History to 1850

 

[Apollo Creed]

I believe I already said this, but again Mali as far as it seems as majority indigenous beliefs or their Islam was mixed with idignous beliefs. It was never some extreme Sharia Law like state.


Read more at: Ancient Africa for Kids: Empire of Ancient Mali

Mansa Musa even allowed different religious customs in his OWN court.

West Africa Before the Colonial Era: A History to 1850

Islam in West Africa was very different than what the pale arabs did. I think you have two types of muslims. You have Islamic Africans and Africans who practice Islam if you get what Im saying. Abrahamic religions do not contradict African Spiritual systems and if anything African Spirtual systems actually make Abrahamic concepts make more sense.

I think this is why you have in places like New Orleans where someone could be a Cathlotic but big on Voodoo as Voodoo does not go against the concept of a Supreme Engineer.

 

[Bawon Samedi]

It was in religion and culture, however, that Mūsā may have had his greatest impact. He actively encouraged the spread of Islam and the development of Islamic institutions. His efforts included a campaign for the construction of mosques throughout his domain. Among the intellectuals who accompanied Mūsā back to Mali after his pilgrimage was Abū Ishāq al-Sahili, possibly the most outstanding architect of medieval Islam. His varied talents included not only architecture and city planning but also poetry and music, and they indicate the richness of Islamic culture with which Mūsā seeded his kingdom. Abū Ishāq perfected techniques of mosque construction using West African materials, including the difficult task of building minarets out of mud brick. Some of his mosques still stand in the cities of modern Mali.

Mūsā also encouraged the development of systematic study and education.At the Sankore mosque in the fabled city of Timbuktu, near the northernmost part of the Niger's course, theologians, geographers, mathematicians, historians, and scientists gathered into a community that continued to publish until well into the eighteenth century. Just as Christian thinkers collected around cathedrals and thus began the European university tradition, Muslim intellectuals congregated around mosques, and Sankore was one of the best. Its fame spread as far as Egypt and Morocco.Professors summoned to teach in Timbuktu from some of the intellectual hotbeds of Islam often became the students of the Timbuktu scholars rather than their instructors.

The Middle Ages: Dictionary of World Biography, Volume 2


Seriously whoever has Mandinka ancestry or at least Western Sahelian ancestry should be very proud...

 

[Bawon Samedi]

Islam in West Africa was very different than what the pale arabs did. I think you have two types of muslims. You have Islamic Africans and Africans who practice Islam if you get what Im saying. Abrahamic religions do not contradict African Spiritual systems and if anything African Spirtual systems actually make Abrahamic concepts make more sense.

I think this is why you have in places like New Orleans where someone could be a Cathlotic but big on Voodoo as Voodoo does not go against the concept of a Supreme Engineer.

Yet, you have certain people in certain circles who believe early Islamic Western Sudanic kingdoms were nothing more than Arabized c00ns.

Anyways VERY GOOD comparison with the bolded. That's how I see the religion of Islam in early West Africa being!

And as for African spiritual systems not contradicting Abrahamic religions, I agree! Because I once heard a practitioner of Afro-Cuban Santeria say that you can mix it with ANY religion.

Also it was not just spiritual, but cultural that West African Islam was different from Arabic one. Women not only had more rights and power, but they did not even have to wear hijabs. Ibn Battuta even noted this.

 

[Apollo Creed]

Yet, you have certain people in certain circles who believe early Islamic Western Sudanic kingdoms were nothing more than Arabized c00ns.

Anyways VERY GOOD comparison with the bolded. That's how I see the religion of Islam in early West Africa being!

And as for African spiritual systems not contradicting Abrahamic religions, I agree! Because I once heard a practitioner of Afro-Cuban Santeria say that you can mix it with ANY religion.

Also it was not just spiritual, but cultural that West African Islam was different from Arabic one. Women not only had more rights and power, but they did not even have to wear hijabs. Ibn Battuta even noted this.

man its so much history that isnt reported that these white folks know but we dont. i've been trying to do more research on my family/tribe and their pre Liberia/Pre Mali history. My uncle said our grandfather actually had a geaneology map that showed the migration route of our tribe but it was lost during the war.

 

[Bawon Samedi]

The University of Sankore, Timbuktu | Muslim Heritage

Sankore's achievement in higher education is important to Islamic civilisation even though it was less known in comparison to Al-Azhar, Al-Qayrawan, Al-Qarawiyyin and Qurtuba Universities.

It is also said to be a source of pride amongst African-Carribean communities worldwide, as it was a great intellectual institution dating back to civilisations in Mali, Ghana and Songhay - particularly during the 12th to 16th centuries.

The University of Timbuktu is often referred to as the ‘University of Sankore', as there are two other universities in Timbuktu, 'Jingaray Ber' and 'Sidi Yahya'. The University of Sankore is located in the North East district of Timbuktu and housed within the Sankore Mosque.

The Sankore Mosque was founded in 989 CE by the erudite chief judge of Timbuktu, Al-Qadi Aqib ibn Mahmud ibn Umar. He had built the inner court of the mosque parallel to the exact dimensions of the Ka'abah in Makkah. A wealthy Mandinka lady financed Sankore University making it the leading centre of education. The Sankore University prospered and became a very significant seat of learning in the Muslim world, especially under the reign of Mansa Musa (1307-1332) and the Askia Dynasty (1493-1591).

The University of Sankore had no central administration; rather, it was composed of several entirely independent schools or colleges, each run by a single master (scholar or professor). The courses took place in the open courtyards of mosque complexes or private residences. The principle subject matter taught at the University included Qur'anic and Islamic studies, law along with literature. Other subjects included medicine and surgery, astronomy, mathematics, physics, chemistry, philosophy, language and linguistics, geography, history, as well as art. Students were also reported to have spent time in learning a trade along with relevant business code and ethics. The university trade shops offered classes in business, carpentry, farming, fishing, construction, shoe making, tailoring, navigation, etc. It prospered and became a very significant seat of learning in the Muslim world. It was claimed that the intellectual freedom enjoyed in Western Universities was inspired from universities like those in Sankore and Qurtuba (Muslim Spain).

Memorising the Qur'an and mastering the Arabic language was compulsory for students; as Arabic was the lingua franca of the university, as well as the language of trade and commerce in Timbuktu. Withstanding a few manuscripts, which are in Songhay and another a'jami language, all the remaining 70,000 manuscripts that are believed to have originated from the University of Sankore are in Arabic. The Al-Furqan Islamic Heritage Foundation in London published a list of these manuscripts, which can be found in a 5-volume collection in the Ahmed Baba library. The highest, or "superior" degree level (equivalent to PhD) is reported to have taken students 10 years to undertake. During the graduation ceremony, the graduates had to wear the traditional turban to represent the name ‘Allah' which Muslims believe symbolises divine light, wisdom, knowledge, and excellent moral conduct. What is more, graduates had to demonstrate excellent character, and care for Islamic values and education prior to receiving their graduation invitation.

Similar to other Islamic universities, the University of Sankore granted admission to students originating from diverse backgrounds. Around the 12th century, it is reported that there was an attendance of 25,000 students, in a city of 100,000 people. The university was renowned for its high standards and admission requirements, which in turn produced world-class scholars, recognised by their publications and graduates. Quoting the French author Felix Dubois in his book, Timbuctoo the Mysterious:

"The scholars of Timbuctoo (Timbuktu) yielded in nothing, to the saints in the sojourns in the foreign universities of Fez, Tunis, and Cairo. They astounded the most learned men of Islam by their erudition. That these Negroes were on a level with the Arabian savants is proved by the fact that they were installed as professors in Morocco and Egypt. In contrast to this, we find that Arabs were not always equal to the requirements of Sankore." Felix Dubois

The most famous scholar of Timbuktu was Ahmad Baba as-Sudane (1564-1627), the final Chancellor of Sankore University. He penned over 60 books on various subjects including law, medicine, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, etc. He was a matchless jurist, professor, and Imam of his time. In 1593, during the Moroccan invasion, he was deported to Fez, while most of his work was destroyed.

Other celebrated figures from Sankore include: Mohammed Bagayogo as-Sudane al-Wangari al-Timbukti (Conferred an honorary Doctorate from Al-Azhar University during his visit to Cairo en-route to undertaking the Hajj (mandated holy pilgrimage)); Modibo Mohammed al-Kaburi; Abu al-Abbas Ahmad Buryu ibn; Ag Mohammed ibn Utman; Abu Abdallah; and Ag Mohammed Ibn Al-Mukhtar An-Nawahi.

Most of these scholars were of the Maliki School of thought and followed the Qadiriyyah tariqat (spiritual path); many of them already being graduates from other educational establishments in Fez, Tunis, Cairo, and Makkah in the early history of Sankore.

The University of Sankore is still functioning but with little resources. The Muslim world and UNESCO need to preserve, maintain, and support what was once a most formidable institution of learning that contributed greatly to our present Civilization.

For a review of the historical development of the University of Sankore, please find a timeline for the period 900 to 1960 CE.

Literally DEBUNKS every myth about Africa.

 

[Bawon Samedi]

man its so much history that isnt reported that these white folks know but we dont. i've been trying to do more research on my family/tribe and their pre Liberia/Pre Mali history. My uncle said our grandfather actually had a geaneology map that showed the migration route of our tribe but it was lost during the war.

Its ironic considering that Europeans were NOT this worlds saving grace like they make us believe. Before the discovery of the Americas and Industrial revolution these people were not even important to the wider world like they want us to belive. Africans from the Western Sudan, Swahili Coast and Horn of Africa had much more impact on the world than they did during this time.

And yeah I heard many Liberian ethnics come from more northern like most West African ethnic groups. Also there are evidence of stone buildings in PRE-Colonial Liberia. Cant find the one from Liberia, but found this one from Sierra Leone which is right next door to Liberia.

Also you being Liberian, do you have any info on the Bassa script? Some say the script is very recent while SOME say the Bassa script was around since the Carthage/Hannibal days! Many coastal West Africans like to say writing scripts were limited to "secret societies", but I don't know how true this is. Can you confirm?

 

[Apollo Creed]

Its ironic considering that Europeans were NOT this worlds saving grace like they make us believe. Before the discovery of the Americas and Industrial revolution these people were not even important to the wider world like they want us to belive. Africans from the Western Sudan, Swahili Coast and Horn of Africa had much more impact on the world than they did during this time.

And yeah I heard many Liberian ethnics come from more northern like most West African ethnic groups. Also there are evidence of stone buildings in PRE-Colonial Liberia. Cant find the one from Liberia, but found this one from Sierra Leone which is right next door to Liberia.

Also you being Liberian, do you have any info on the Bassa script? Some say the script is very recent while SOME say the Bassa script was around since the Carthage/Hannibal days! Many coastal West Africans like to say writing scripts were limited to "secret societies", but I don't know how true this is. Can you confirm?

I cant say honestly, I do know the Vai script is considered an ancient script though. The tough thing Im facing now is many of the elders are dead and the missionaries messed up alot of people of my parents generation where they dont know much of the older history, and then of course with oral passing of history comes stuff getting mixed up.

The missionaries pretty much associated everything non christian with being of the devil so many people were focused on being like the Americo Liberians and whites because they were seen as "Qui" aka Civilized. so that made it where the secret societies were seen as demonic when in reality they were used to "make you a man or woman" of your tribe in which they teach you the history and other things.

 

[Bawon Samedi]

I cant say honestly, I do know the Vai script is considered an ancient script though. The tough thing Im facing now is many of the elders are dead and the missionaries messed up alot of people of my parents generation where they dont know much of the older history, and then of course with oral passing of history comes stuff getting mixed up.

The missionaries pretty much associated everything non christian with being of the devil so many people were focused on being like the Americo Liberians and whites because they were seen as "Qui" aka Civilized. so that made it where the secret societies were seen as demonic when in reality they were used to "make you a man or woman" of your tribe in which they teach you the history and other things.

Thats ashame...

Many people today are unaware of the genius of the African. Although they might admit to a complex verbal language structure, it may come as quite a surprise to many that African people have a multitude of written languages. In Liberia the Bassa people have a written script. The Kpelle, Gola, Lorma, Grebo, Vai and Kissi also are known to have their own written language. Most of these scripts have diminished over time, as a result of abandonment.

Had Hanibal visited Liberia in 500 B.C., particularly Kpowin(Tradetown) and Bassa Cove, he would have witnessed the Bassa script in use.The script is called Vah by the Bassas, which is translated to the phrase: To throw sign. Not to be confused with the Vai ethnic group, who also have their own written script as mentioned above. Vah was initially the throwing of sign or signals utilizing the natural environment. Teeth marks would be left on leaves and placed in a discrete location for the intended reader. Messages where also carved in the barks of trees. Eventually this evolved into a complex written language. During the era of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, many Bassas avoided slave traders by utilizing Vah(Bassa Script). During the colonial, and on through to the neo-colonial period in Africa, a decline in the usage of Vah script caused by external cultural forces, almost brought this written portion of the Bassa language to extinction.

HISTORY of the Bassa Script

Again don't know how true the red bolded is... Also I thought the Vai script is kinda recent and created by a man named Momolu Duwalu Bukele in the 1830s?