Africas Government and Religion Today we are learning

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Africa’s Government and Religion Today we are learning about the governments and religions that

Africa’s Government and Religion Today we are learning about the governments and religions that influenced life in medieval Africa

Government & Society • All citizens were allowed to come to a meeting w/

Government & Society • All citizens were allowed to come to a meeting w/ the king to voice complaints. • Kings – settled arguments – Managed trade – Protected the empire • Subjects – Had to obey the king completely

Ghana’s Government King Council of ministers (close advisors) Lesser Kings – conquered leaders (governed

Ghana’s Government King Council of ministers (close advisors) Lesser Kings – conquered leaders (governed provinces) District Chiefs (governed smaller districts) Each district had a Chief’s clan (group of people from the same ancestor)

 • Kings most important job – control trade – No one traded w/out

• Kings most important job – control trade – No one traded w/out his permission – Illegal to own a gold nugget – Only allowed to trade gold dust • ? ? Why not the son? ? – Royal blood lines were matrilineal (passed on by mother) – Throne inherited by nephew, not son

Mali’s Government • Like Ghana’s but larger – More territory, people, trade • Royal

Mali’s Government • Like Ghana’s but larger – More territory, people, trade • Royal officials – more responsibilities – Specialized- each was in charge of something dif. • Generals – oversaw the provinces divided by Sundiata • Trousers – Military honor – to wear sewn clothes

Songhai’s Government • Modeled after Ghana & Mali • Sunni Ali – Divided empire

Songhai’s Government • Modeled after Ghana & Mali • Sunni Ali – Divided empire into provinces – Never finished what he started – Died mysteriously in 1492 • Muhammad Ture – general, took over – Loyal Muslim • Religion affected the government

Traditional African Religions ere h d e t Loca • Olaudah Equiano – Igbo,

Traditional African Religions ere h d e t Loca • Olaudah Equiano – Igbo, disagreed with Europeans – he said they did believe in a higher power • Common Belief - in one supreme god • Communication – Nanti in E. Africa – talk directly to their god – Igbo – only be spoken to through less powerful gods • Helped people stay in touch w/ their history • Dead relatives spirits stayed in the community

3 Major African Religions Today Muslim Christians Traditional

3 Major African Religions Today Muslim Christians Traditional

Islam in Africa • Ibn Battuta – Arab lawyer from Morocco • 1325 -

Islam in Africa • Ibn Battuta – Arab lawyer from Morocco • 1325 - goes to see the Muslim world – Islam had been spreading since 600 s • Mansa Musa – ruler of Mali – 1324 - made pilgrimage to Makkah

Mansa Musa

Mansa Musa

Songhai and Askia Muhammad • Sunni Ali – declared himself a Muslim to keep

Songhai and Askia Muhammad • Sunni Ali – declared himself a Muslim to keep support of townspeople, but practiced a traditional religion • Sunni’s son – refused • Muhammad Ture – general, took over the gov. when had support of Muslim’s townspeople • Took the name Askia Muhammad – Askia is a rank in the Songhai army – Honored Muslim laws – Made Timbuktu a center for Islamic culture

Islam in East Africa • Sultan of Mogadishu was honored by Ibn Battuta visiting

Islam in East Africa • Sultan of Mogadishu was honored by Ibn Battuta visiting • He spoke in both Arabic and Swahili – “people of the coast” • The unique culture • The language spoken • Swahili – exist in East Africa today – Blend of African and Muslim influences – Europeans and Portuguese tried to destroy it – Swahili outlived European rule

Islam’s Impact • Africans who accepted Islam adopted: – Islamic laws – Ideas of

Islam’s Impact • Africans who accepted Islam adopted: – Islamic laws – Ideas of right/wrong – Education – Arabic language – Art/Architecture