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The Songhai Empire was a state located in the western part of the Sahel during the 15th and 16th centuries. At its peak,it was one of the largest African empires in history. The state is known by its historiographical name,derived from its largest ethnic group and ruling elite,the Songhai people. Sonni Ali established Gao as the empire's capital,although a Songhai state had existed in and around Gao since the 11th century. Other important cities in the kingdom were Timbuktu and Djenné,where urban-centred trade flourished;they were conquered in 1468 and 1475,respectively. Initially,the Songhai Empire was ruled by the Sonni dynasty,but it was later replaced by the Askia dynasty (1493–1591).
The Songhai people are an ethnolinguistic group in West Africa who speak the various Songhai languages. Their history and lingua franca is linked to the Songhai Empire which dominated the western Sahel in the 15th and 16th century. Predominantly adherents of Islam,the Songhai are primarily located in Niger and Mali within the Western Sudanic region. Historically,the term "Songhai" did not denote an ethnic or linguistic identity but referred to the ruling caste of the Songhay Empire known as the Songhaiborai. However,the correct term used to refer to this group of people collectively by the natives is "Ayneha". Although some Speakers in Mali have also adopted the name Songhay as an ethnic designation,other Songhay-speaking groups identify themselves by other ethnic terms such as Zarma or Isawaghen. The dialect of Koyraboro Senni spoken in Gao is unintelligible to speakers of the Zarma dialect of Niger,according to at least one report. The Songhay languages are commonly taken to be Nilo-Saharan but this classification remains controversial:Dimmendaal (2008) believes that for now it is best considered an independent language family.
Askia Muhammad Ture I (1443–1538),born Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr al-Turi or Muhammad Ture,was the first ruler of the Askia dynasty of the Songhai Empire,reigning from 1493 to 1528. He is also known as Askia the Great,and his name in modern Songhai is Mamar Kassey. Askia Muhammad strengthened his empire and made it the largest empire in West Africa's history. At its peak under his reign,the Songhai Empire encompassed the Hausa states as far as Kano and much of the territory that had belonged to the Songhai empire in the east. His policies resulted in a rapid expansion of trade with Europe and Asia,the creation of many schools,and the establishment of Islam as an integral part of the empire.
Sunni Ali,also known as Si Ali,Sunni Ali Ber,reigned from about 1464 to 1492 as the 15th ruler of the Sunni dynasty of the Songhai Empire. He transformed the relatively small state into an empire by conquering Timbuktu,Massina,the Inner Niger Delta,and Djenne.
The Battle of Tondibi was the decisive confrontation in the 16th-century invasion of the Songhai Empire by the army of the Saadi dynasty in Morocco. The Moroccan forces under Judar Pasha defeated the Songhai under Askia Ishaq II,guaranteeing the empire's downfall.
Askia Ishaq II,also known as Askia Isḥāq Zughrānī,was the ruler of the Songhai Empire from 1588 to 1591. He commanded the Songhai force at the Battle of Tondibi,where he was defeated by Saadian forces from Morocco who subsequently destroyed the empire.
Askia Mohammad Benkan,also Askiya Muhammad Bonkana Kirya,was the third ruler of the Songhai Empire from 1531 to 1537.
The Empire of Great Fulo,also known as the Denanke Kingdom or Denianke Kingdom,was a Pulaar kingdom of Senegal,which dominated the Futa Toro region from the early 16th century to 1776.
The Dendi was a former province of the Songhai Empire. It survived the fall of the Empire as a kingdom until 1901,when it was conquered by France and incorporated into French West Africa. Its centers today are the cities of Gaya in Niger,Kamba in Nigeria and Malanville in Benin.
Askia Musa or Askiya Musa was the second Askia ruler of the Songhai Empire.
Mohammed Bagayogo Es Sudane Al Wangari Al Timbukti was an eminent scholar from Timbuktu,Mali. Baghayogho originated from among the Juula people,who are a Mande ethnic group composed of merchants and scholars.
Askia Ishaq I,also known as Ishaq Ber or Ishaq Kadibini,was the ruler of the Songhai Empire from 1539 to 1549,elected Askia following the death of Askia Isma'il. He was the fifth ruler of the Askiya dynasty.
Askia Ismail was the sixth ruler of the Songhai Empire from 1537 –1539,and fourth from the Askia dynasty. He was the son of Askia Mohammad I,the founder of the Askia dynasty,and Maryam Daabu,a member of the Malian royal family captured in 1501.
Tenguella was a Fula silatigi or chief who founded a short-lived state in the upper Senegal river valley,a precursor of the Empire of Great Fulo. He was referred to as the Great Fulo or Great king of the Fulos in Portuguese documents of the time.
Askia Daoud was the ruler of the Songhai Empire from 1549 to 1582. His rule saw the empire rise to a peak of peace and prosperity following a series of succession disputes and short reigns.
The Songhaiborai are a distinct subgroup within the larger Songhai ethnolinguistic family. Residing predominantly in Niger's Songhai region,Northern Mali,and a minority presence in Burkina Faso. Notably,they trace their lineage to the ruling dynasties of the ancient Songhai Empire.
Askia Muhammad al-Hajj was the ruler of the Songhai Empire from 1582 to 1586.
Askia Muhammad Bani was the ruler of the Songhai Empire from 1586 to 1588. A son of Askia Daoud,he was elevated by his brothers after they had deposed Askia Al-Hajj,his predecessor.
Askia Muhammad Gao was the last ruler of the Songhai Empire. A son of Askia Daoud,he assumed power in the last months of 1591 after the defeat of Askia Ishaq II by Moroccan forces at the Battle of Tondibi and the subsequent Battle of Bamba. About forty days after taking power he was lured into a trap by Moroccans,captured,and later executed.
The Kurmina-fari or Kanfari was the title of a major administrative and military position in the Songhai Empire. The position was broadly in charge of the western half of the empire,and was based in Tindirma. The position was created by Askia Mohammad I in 1494 soon after he took power from Sonni Ali. His brother Umar Komadiago was the first Kurmina-fari,and several of his sons would hold the position after him. The Kurmina-fari was often the eldest son or brother of the ruling Askia.
References
- ↑ Gomez 2018, p. 225.
- ↑ Gomez 2018, p. 231.
- ↑ Kane 2004, pp. 123.
