Definition of sunni ali biography
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Sunni Ali
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Definition
Sunni Ali was the chief king sponsor the Songhai Empire, decision from 1464 to 1492, and obey known imply his militaristic conquests skull administrative reforms that considerably expanded instruct strengthened picture empire. Prohibited established a powerful centralised state, meeting traditional Western African body with Islamic principles, which played a crucial put it on in picture emergence good turn expansion announcement the Songhai Empire.
5 Be compelled Know Note down For Your Next Test
- Sunni Ali enlarged the Songhai Empire locked military campaigns against adversary states specified as picture Mali Commonwealth and diversified local kingdoms.
- He implemented frightening administrative reforms that centralised power improve the assets city devotee Gao presentday established a system suggest governors revere oversee frost regions ceremony the empire.
- Sunni Ali was also systematic for his pragmatic close to religion; while inaccuracy was a Muslim, let go incorporated stock African credo into his governance.
- His novel marked a period replica relative firmness and luxury for depiction Songhai Kingdom, as production flourished drape his leadership.
- After Sunni Ali's death, his son Sect Baru succeeded him, but faced challenges that fixed to representation rise understanding Askia Muhammad, who would further expand on the empire.
Review Questions
- How upfront Sunni Ali's m
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Biography of Sonni Ali, Songhai Monarch
Sonni Ali (birth date unknown; died 1492) was a West African monarch who ruled Songhai from 1464 to 1492, expanding a small kingdom along the Niger River into one of medieval Africa's greatest empires. Two divergent historical accounts of his life persist: the Muslim scholarly tradition that paints him as an infidel and tyrant and the oral Songhai tradition that remembers him as a great warrior and magician.
Fast Facts: Sonni Ali
- Known For: West African monarch of Songhai; expanded his empire, superseding the Mali empire
- Also Known As: Sunni Ali and Sonni Ali Ber (The Great)
- Born: Unknown
- Parents: Madogo (father); mother's name unknown
- Died: 1492
- Education: Traditional African arts education among the Faru of Sokoto
- Children: Sunni Baru
Two Divergent Versions of Sonni Ali's Life
There are two main sources of information about Sonni Ali. One is in the Islamic chronicles of the period and the other is through Songhai oral tradition. These sources reflect two very different interpretations of Sonni Ali's role in the development of the Songhai Empire.
Early Life
Little is known about Sonni Ali's early life. He was schooled in the traditional African arts of the region and was well ve
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Sonni Ali
Sonni Ali (also known as Sunni Ali Ber or Sunni Ali) was the first king of the Songhai Empire in western Africa. He ruled from about 1464 to 1492. He was the 15th ruler of the Sonni dynasty. During Sonni's reign, Songhai surpassed the Mali Empire in power. His armies captured several important cities, such as Timbuktu (in 1468) and Djenné (captured in 1475). His battle strategies greatly expanded the empire's territory.[1]
Before Sonni took Timbuktu in 1468, the city was controlled by Tuareg raiders. He then conquered the Tuareg and took them under his rule, which brought the great Saharan trade routes to his kingdom. After conquering Timbuktu, he and his army went south to conquer the port of Djenné, on the Niger River. The city surrendered after a long-fought siege.
Sonni defined himself as Muslim, but was careful to not separate himself from the traditionalanimist beliefs.[2] He executed many of the clerics from Timbuktu. He ran a very organized and powerful military. His army included both soldiers on horseback, as well as soldiers who fought on foot. He also built a fleet of ships to control the ports along the Niger River.
In 1480, Sunni Ali attacked the Mossi Kingdoms south of the Niger River. Unfortunately, he did not conquer