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To the people in the African
kingdoms, the word "mansa" means king or leader. Because
the Empire of Mali was so big, the king of Mali, Mansa Musa could not possibly hear
the complaint or concern of each citizen or village.
Government: Under
Mansa Musa, the empire was broken into provinces, each ruled by a
governor. Each province was composed of many villages. Each village
had a mayor. This allowed for controlled but swift management of
local problems, leaving Mansa Musa and his advisors free to handle
the management of the empire.
Gold for Salt:
The Kingdom of Mali was rich. The army guarded
the gold mines. They also guarded the section of the Trans-Sahara
Trade Route that passed by Mali. Legend says there
were usually 90,000 warriors on foot, 10,000 warriors on camels, and
few on Arabian horses, who worked together to kept the trade route
safe for travel. Traders always stopped at Mali. They knew they
would find safety, culture, and richly rewarding trade.
Traditional African
Religion: Although most village people could not read or
write, they received education and training orally. They were free
to choose their religion as well as their occupation. Most villages
followed the traditional religions of Africa. The people believed in
many gods, in witchdoctors, and in magic charms. Education was encouraged and choice of
religious belief was a freedom. The people were happy.
Growth of Islam:
Although Mansa Musa allowed his people religious freedom,
he was a devout Muslim. Mansa Musa worshiped one god -
Allah. He was the one who actually ordered an impressive university
to be built at Timbuktu. He wanted scholars to come to Mali and they
did.
The Muslim scholars who came to Mali were
somewhat started at the appearance of the people who called
themselves Muslims. The climate was very hot. Rather than being
heavily veiled in black garments, the woman were unveiled and wore
cool, colorful clothing. This was not the look to which they were
accustomed. But Mansa Musa was such a good host, and such a devout
Muslim, that the scholars who came to the kingdom brought with them
not only learning but also understanding. Having never left Mali,
Mansa Musa really did not know that the appearance of his people was
anything out of the ordinary in the Muslim world.
Kingly Behavior:
Mansa Musa did things his people expected a very
rich king to do. When he left his palace, 300 guards and his special
musicians who played music wherever they went always accompanied
him. His people would gather along the road and chant: "Hail
Mansa Musa, King of Mali!" There was every evidence that the
people were happy.
The people had every reason to be happy.
They were very bright and creative people. They worked hard. They
played hard. They were not poor. The common people were given some
luxury goods. Goods were given to the elders and distributed as they
saw fit. Mansa Musa was a great believer in spreading wealth around.
Journey to Mecca:
Since things were going so well at home, Mansa
Musa decided now was the time to see the holy city of Mecca. Muslim
law requires that all the faithful visit Mecca at least once. With a
huge number of guards and attendants, along with camels carrying
comforts, luxury, and bagsful of gold nuggets, Mansa Musa set out
across the desert towards Mecca. Along the way, everywhere he went,
he freely gave away gold. You can imagine the excitement he
generated as he traveled from one oasis to the next.
His caravan stopped in Cairo, in Egypt. Word of
his incredible wealth spread quickly though the city. Mansa Musa was
amazed at how expensive things were. They were expensive because
merchants quickly increased their normal prices. Mansa Musa did not care.
Even though he had given away so much gold on the trip to Cairo, he
had bagsful left to spend. And spend he did. Mansa Musa left so much
gold behind him in Cairo that it was rumored it took 12 years for
prices in Egypt to get back to normal. (This is probably an urban
legend, but certainly it took some time for things to get back to
normal.)
He distributed so much gold on his way to Mecca
that he had to borrow money for his return trip home. Everyone with
money was eager to be of service to such a wealthy man. True to his
nature, Mansa Musa repaid the loans most generously.
His journey took about a year. He traveled
around 3000 miles by camel. No one attempted to take over his
kingdom while he was gone. Mansa Musa was a very smart man. To
reduce the likelihood of a takeover, he had brought with him on his
trip most of the powerful people in his kingdom. He left the army in
charge. They did a great job.
His people were impressed. They thought it
amazing that he was willing to make such a long trip, with so many
dangers, just to see a far away holy place. His trip had other
results. Scholars poured into Timbuktu, making it the most
prestigious university in the land. Trade became even more brisk.
Mansa Musa literally put Mali on the map - on
European maps and Moslem maps!
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