10 Questions
What was the role of tierkei in the Songhai Empire?
To keep the evil spirits in check
How did Sunni Ali's approach to religion differ from Muhammad I's?
Sunni Ali observed Muslim holidays and followed pagan rituals, while Muhammad I appointed Muslims to high positions of power.
Why were people living outside of cities in the Songhai Empire reluctant to embrace Islam as the official religion?
They held on to their animist beliefs
How did the king of Songhai use his beliefs in animism in battles?
To scare his enemies
What role did the sorcerers known as tierkei play in the Songhai Empire?
They were responsible for keeping the spirits pleased and controlling evil spirits.
What was the primary reason for people living outside of cities in the Songhai Empire to hold on to their animist beliefs instead of embracing Islam?
They saw animism as a symbol of resistance against foreign influence.
What was the significance of Gao and Djenne in the context of the Songhai Empire?
Gao was the capital city, and Djenne was a major trading center.
How did the Portuguese presence on the West African coast impact the territorial control of the Songhai Empire?
It weakened the Songhai Empire's control over all parts of West Africa.
What action did Muhammad I take in an attempt to make Islam the official religion of the Songhai Empire?
He appointed Muslims to high positions of power in the government.
What led to the collapse of Mali's empire, creating an opportunity for Songhai to take control of areas it once occupied?
Civil wars within Mali weakened its empire.
Study Notes
The Role of Tierkei in the Songhai Empire
- Tierkei were sorcerers who played a significant role in the Songhai Empire.
Sunni Ali's Approach to Religion
- Sunni Ali's approach to religion was different from Muhammad I's as he was more tolerant of traditional beliefs and practices.
Islam in the Songhai Empire
- People living outside of cities in the Songhai Empire were reluctant to embrace Islam as the official religion due to their strong cultural and traditional beliefs.
- The primary reason for people living outside of cities to hold on to their animist beliefs was their strong cultural and traditional roots.
Animism in the Songhai Empire
- The king of Songhai used his beliefs in animism in battles, often relying on tierkei sorcerers for guidance and protection.
Importance of Gao and Djenne
- Gao and Djenne were significant cities in the Songhai Empire, holding cultural and economic importance.
Portuguese Presence on the West African Coast
- The Portuguese presence on the West African coast impacted the territorial control of the Songhai Empire, leading to a decline in its power.
Muhammad I's Attempt to Make Islam Official
- Muhammad I took the action of building mosques and Islamic schools in an attempt to make Islam the official religion of the Songhai Empire.
The Collapse of Mali's Empire
- The collapse of Mali's empire was due to internal weaknesses and external pressures, creating an opportunity for Songhai to take control of areas it once occupied.
Test your knowledge about the coexistence of animism and Islam in the Songhai Empire, and the rulers' approaches to religion and governance. Explore how religious beliefs influenced political decisions and societal dynamics in the empire.
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