Which of the following is true of Askia the Great?
A. He wanted to do away with Islamic rule.
B. He was a proponent of learning and culture.
C He wanted to do away with slavery.
D. He was peaceful and disliked conflict
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. He was a proponent of learning and culture.
Askia the Great, also known as Muhammad Ture, was the ruler of the Songhai Empire in West Africa during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. He is often celebrated for his promotion of education, culture, and Islamic scholarship. Under his reign, the Songhai Empire became a center of learning and culture, rivaling other great civilizations of the time, such as the Ottoman Empire and the Ming Dynasty.
One of his significant contributions was the establishment of the famous University of Sankore in Timbuktu, which attracted scholars, poets, and intellectuals from various parts of the Islamic world. This institution became a pivotal center for Islamic learning, promoting various subjects, including astronomy, mathematics, law, and literature. Askia the Great’s commitment to education extended to the funding of libraries and the encouragement of literacy among his people, fostering an environment where scholarship flourished.
While he was a devout Muslim and integrated Islamic principles into his governance, he did not seek to eliminate Islamic rule, as indicated in option A. Instead, he embraced Islam, and his reign is marked by the strengthening of Islamic practices in the empire. Regarding slavery, there are no historical records that suggest he aimed to abolish the institution of slavery; in fact, like many African empires of the time, slavery was a common practice in the Songhai Empire. Therefore, option C is also incorrect.
Finally, while Askia the Great did promote stability within his realm and sought to consolidate power, it would be an oversimplification to characterize him as entirely peaceful or conflict-averse. He engaged in military campaigns to expand and defend the empire, countering external threats and internal dissent, making option D inaccurate as well.
In summary, Askia the Great’s legacy is predominantly tied to his advancements in education and culture, solidifying his role as a key figure in the promotion of Islamic scholarship and learning in West Africa.