MALI: " Culture serves as the facilitator of customs, values and behaviour. In Mali we find cultural riches for eternity" Kariamu Welsh
SONGHAI:" There are many judges, doctors and clerics here, all receiving good salaries from King Askia Mohammed of Songhai. There is a great demand for books and more profit is made from the trade in books than from any other line of business" Leo Africanus
Mali: The magnificent Empire
King Sundiata of Mali was one of the most important leaders in the history of all of Africa. He revived the greatness of the ancient African empire.
The scholars and authors of Mali wrote using the Arabic script, giving a common script for writing to the different African countries and languages.
Mansa Musa was not only a powerful but also a highly respected ruler. He gave the people great freedom, listening to them and their needs before making decisions. Although he was Islamic, he did not force his religion on the African people.
Reflections:
Mansa Musa was considered a great leader because of his deep respect for the needs of his people and his faith. Think of one or more people who have been role models for you. What qualities do/did they have in making you into the person you are today?
Credit: Classical Africa - by Dr. Molefi Kete Asante
Songay: Land of Royalty
Sunni Ali Ber, the African leader, was recognized as the greatest African leader and as one of the greatest world leaders of his time by Africans and Europeans alike. Europeans called him Sunni Heli, King of Timbuktu, and said that his empires extended all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
Ahmed Baba was recognised as the greatest scholar of his time in the 16th century. He established a tradition of apprenticeship that is still in practice in Africa today.
Several small central Sudanic empires were similar to the great classical empires of Ghana, Mali and Songay. The Kanem-Bornu Empire, which lasted 1000 years from 850 C.E. to the 19th century is a primary example.
Under Emperor Askia Mohammed, the religion of Islam and African arts and culture were alowed to flourish in freedom. A new era of African culture began with the influence of Islam impacting the feelings and beliefs of the people. Many believers in traditional African culture were not encouraged, and Islam did not encourage expression in painting and culture.
As the classical age ended in Africa, Africans and their ethnic and culture diversity scattered into North America, South America, the Caribbean and Europe.
Understanding history is a journey to center ourselves in the human journey of self-understanding, which includes understanding our history and culture in a personal way.
Reflections:
Sunni Ali Ber was committed to preserving ancient African culture and traditions. Think about why it is important for you to preserve culture and traditions?
Credit: Classical Africa - by Dr. Molefi Kete Asante