WHI-Chap19-Mansa Musa
Mansa Musa was king of Mali from 1312-1337. Observing Islamic traditions, he made a pilgrimage, or hajj, to Mecca in 1324-1325. Once he had returned, he brought the best Islamic scholars to Mali, built several mosques, especially in trading cities, and set up religious schools in Africa. He also sent promising students to study Islam in North Africa. These additions to African society made Islam much more prominent in Mali (for more information, see Islamic Influence in Africa). During his pilgrimage, Mansa Musa distributed lavish gifts upon his hosts. He ensured that Mali would be remembered and thought of as a wealthy, African land. However, his gifts caused the value of gold to drop 25 percent and the demand for the precious metal lessened, presenting Mali with economic strife and a declining empire.
T&E Pages: 490-492
Created by: Hannah Worscheh
