The Songhai Empire
The Songhai Empire (also transliterated as Songhay) was a state located in the western part of the Sahel during the 15th and 16th centuries. It became independent of Mali, and rivalled it as the leading power in West Africa. The Songhai had settled on both banks of the middle Niger River. They established a state in the 15th century, which unified a large part of the western Sudan and developed into a brilliant civilization. Zarma (Djerma) was the most widely spoken Songhay language.
AFRICAN HISTORY
deangichukie
7/12/20232 min read
The Songhai Empire (also transliterated as Songhay) was a state located in the western part of the Sahel during the 15th and 16th centuries. It became independent of Mali, and rivalled it as the leading power in West Africa. The Songhai had settled on both banks of the middle Niger River. They established a state in the 15th century, which unified a large part of the western Sudan and developed into a brilliant civilization. Zarma (Djerma) was the most widely spoken Songhay language.
It was started in 1464 by Sunni Ali who escaped to the city of Gao and took control of the city. From the city of Gao, he established the Songhai Empire and began to conquer nearby regions including the important trading cities of Timbuktu and Djenne.
The Empire began to develop their kingdom by controlling the river transport and trade on the Niger River as far back as the 9th century CE. They would utilize periodic raids on their enemies, such as Mali cities, to obtain wealth and maintain the borders of their territory around the Niger River. It wasn't until 1468 when the King of the Songhai, Sunni Ali, changed the strategy of the Songhai raids and instead planned campaigns toward lasting territorial expansion.
Sunni Ali would go on to wage 32 wars, winning every single one and conquering the lands of his enemies. Upon being conquered, the territories were divided into provinces that were ruled by an official appointed by King Sunni. These officials collected taxes or tribute from local leaders, and marriages were arranged for political alliances. Sunni improved lands by building dykes for irrigation which increased agricultural production. He also secured sources of gold flowing into the Songhai empire through the trans-Saharan trade.
Less skilled kings found the empire too large to control. Environmental changes also caused droughts and disease. The wealth of its gold mines also drew the attention of invaders. The Saadi Sultanate of Morocco saw the weakened Songhai Empire as vulnerable and invaded in 1590. In the decisive Battle of Tondibi on 13 March 1591, the Moroccans destroyed the Songhai army and proceeded to capture Gao and Timbuktu, marking the end of the empire.