Songhai Empire: Animism and Islam

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Questions and Answers

What was the role of tierkei in the Songhai Empire?

  • To keep the evil spirits in check (correct)
  • To serve as political rivals to the king
  • To lead the military in battle
  • To convert people to Islam

How did Sunni Ali's approach to religion differ from Muhammad I's?

  • Sunni Ali persecuted Muslims he believed to be political rivals, while Muhammad I observed both Muslim holidays and pagan rituals.
  • Sunni Ali converted to Islam and appointed Muslims to high positions of power, while Muhammad I observed both Muslim holidays and pagan rituals.
  • Sunni Ali observed Muslim holidays and followed pagan rituals, while Muhammad I appointed Muslims to high positions of power. (correct)
  • Sunni Ali used animism to scare enemies in battle, while Muhammad I tried to make Islam the official religion.

Why were people living outside of cities in the Songhai Empire reluctant to embrace Islam as the official religion?

  • They were more influenced by Muslim holidays
  • They were not aware of Islam
  • They held on to their animist beliefs (correct)
  • They feared persecution from the king

How did the king of Songhai use his beliefs in animism in battles?

<p>To scare his enemies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the sorcerers known as tierkei play in the Songhai Empire?

<p>They were responsible for keeping the spirits pleased and controlling evil spirits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>They saw animism as a symbol of resistance against foreign influence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Gao and Djenne in the context of the Songhai Empire?

<p>Gao was the capital city, and Djenne was a major trading center. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Portuguese presence on the West African coast impact the territorial control of the Songhai Empire?

<p>It weakened the Songhai Empire's control over all parts of West Africa. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action did Muhammad I take in an attempt to make Islam the official religion of the Songhai Empire?

<p>He appointed Muslims to high positions of power in the government. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What led to the collapse of Mali's empire, creating an opportunity for Songhai to take control of areas it once occupied?

<p>Civil wars within Mali weakened its empire. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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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.

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