The West African Kingdom of Mali

1
The West African Kingdom of Mali

• In this lesson, students will be able to define
  the following terms
• Trans-Saharan Trade
• Mansa Musa
• Pilgrimage
• The Five Pillars of Islam

2
After the demise of Ghana, the West
African Kingdom of Mali emerged as a
great trading empire.
3
Trans-Saharan Trade

• The Trans-Saharan trade was a trade across the
  Sahara desert.
• This trade connected North Africa and West
  Africa.
• North African salt and other goods were exchanged
  for West African gold.

4
The Trans-Saharan trade connected North Africa
and West Africa.
5
The Kingdom of Mali

• The rulers of Mali took control of the gold
  fields.
• By controlling the gold fields, the rulers of
  Mali greatly increased the kingdoms revenue.
• Traders entering and exiting the kingdom were
  also taxed.

6
Mansa Musa was a great king of Mali.
7
Mansa Musa

• The most powerful king of Mali was Mansa Musa.
• Mansa Musa set up a great center of learning in
  Timbuktu.
• He also expanded the empire.

8
A great center for learning was established in
Timbuktu.
9
Conversion to Islam

• Mansa Musa converted to Islam.
• He made a pilgrimage to Mecca. Pilgrimage to
  Mecca is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
• During his pilgrimage, Mansa Musa gave away a
  tremendous amount of gold.

10
Mansa Musa was a famous ruler of Mali. He
expanded his empire, established a great center
for learning, and made a pilgrimage to Mecca.
11
The Five Pillars

• The Five Pillars of Islam
• Belief in One God
• Pray five times a day facing the holy city of
  Mecca
• Fasting during Ramadan
• Charity to the Poor
• Pilgrimage or holy trip to Mecca

12
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca. A Muslim
must visit Mecca, the birthplace of the Prophet,
once in his lifetime, if able.
13
Mecca is a holy city to Muslims. It is the
birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad.
14
Questions for Reflection

• What was the Trans-Saharan trade and how did it
  increase cultural diffusion?
• Who was the most significant ruler of Mali and
  why was he important?
• Why did this ruler take a pilgrimage to Mecca?
• What are the Five Pillars of Islam?