Did Mansa Musa make Mecca?
In 1312 Musa became emperor following the death of his predecessor, Abu-Bakr II. Mansa Musa was knowledgeable in Arabic and was described as a Muslim traditionalist. He became the first Muslim ruler in West Africa to make the nearly four thousand mile journey to Mecca.
What was the impact of Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca?
The journey to Mecca had a number of effects on the history of Western Sudan. Most significantly, the pilgrimage journey exposed Mali to Europe and the Middle East. The king had carried 30,000 pounds of gold, which signified the immense wealth in his empire. This created an impression on his acquaintances.
How did Mansa Musa’s trip to Mecca alter?
By traveling to Mali, Mansa Musa helped spread the thoughts of Mali a way that portrayed the power and wealth of the empire, thus he made Mali an even greater world power.
Who was Mansa Musa and why did he go to Mecca?
Mansa Musa and the Journey to Mecca. Mansa Musa, ruler of the Mali empire in the 14th century. When he became the 10th king of the Mali Empire, the kingdoms of Gao and Mani were under Mansa Musa’s rule. His reign was said to be the height of the Mali Empire.
What was Mansa Musa’s main source of wealth?
Elephant ivory was another major source of wealth. When Mansa Musa went on a pilgrimage ( hajj) to Mecca in 1324 C.E., his journey through Egypt caused quite a stir. The kingdom of Mali was relatively unknown outside of West Africa until this event.
What was the legacy of Mansa Musa of Mali?
However, his riches are only one part of his legacy, and he is also remembered for his Islamic faith, promotion of scholarship, and patronage of culture in Mali. The fame of Mansa Musa and his phenomenal wealth spread as he traveled on his hajj to Mecca.
Why did Mansa Musa go to Timbuktu and Gao?
His encounter in Mecca with Muslim architect al-Sahili would help him to do this. According to legend, Mansa Musa bribed the architect with about 200 kilograms of gold to return with him to Mali. He later commissioned him to build mosques in the port cities of Gao and Timbuktu, as well as a royal palace.