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The Incredible Journey of King Askia Mohammed
What if you left your kingdom for almost two years to cross the desert and discover new cities? That is exactly what Askia Mohammed, the great ruler of the Songhai Empire, did!
Around 1496, Askia Mohammed, ruler of the powerful Songhai Empire in West Africa, set off on a long journey to Mecca, in Arabia. This journey was a religious pilgrimage.
Starting from Gao, his capital, he travelled across vast desert landscapes and passed through Cairo, Egypt, before reaching the holy city.
His incredible journey lasted almost two years! He returned around 1498, strengthening his empire’s connections with other parts of the Muslim world.
Back home, Askia Mohammed also encouraged Islamic learning and helped improve the organisation of his kingdom.
What an extraordinary adventure! It shows that Africa was already connected to the wider world more than 500 years ago!