16th century – 16th century
Songhay and Mali
Askia Ishaq was a powerful Songhay ruler who reigned from 1539 to 1549 during the dynasty’s restoration after internal troubles. He led an expedition against Ta'ba in 1542/3 and sent his brother Dawud against Mali in 1545/6. That campaign occupied Mali’s town, probably its capital, for seven days before withdrawing as a raid rather than a conquest.
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The Story
Askia Ishaq ruled Songhay from 1539 to 1549, during the period when the dynasty recovered from the internal crisis surrounding the deposition of Muhammad Benkan. His reign formed part of a sequence of peaceful successions that restored Songhay’s political strength. The renewed dynasty soon resumed pressure on Mali.
In 1542/3 Ishaq led an expedition against Ta'ba. Two years later he sent his brother Dawud, the Kurmina-Fari, against Mali. The king of Mali escaped, and the Songhay army occupied his town, probably the capital, for seven days.
The occupation was not intended to establish permanent rule over Mali’s capital. Dawud allowed the soldiers to take provisions inside the king’s palace and then evacuated the town. The episode illustrates the raiding strategy used to harass Mali and weaken its power without attempting immediate annexation.
16th century – 16th century
Songhay and Mali
Askia Ishaq was a powerful Songhay ruler who reigned from 1539 to 1549 during the dynasty’s restoration after internal troubles. He led an expedition against Ta'ba in 1542/3 and sent his brother Dawud against Mali in 1545/6. That campaign occupied Mali’s town, probably its capital, for seven days before withdrawing as a raid rather than a conquest.
Continue exploring
The Story
Askia Ishaq ruled Songhay from 1539 to 1549, during the period when the dynasty recovered from the internal crisis surrounding the deposition of Muhammad Benkan. His reign formed part of a sequence of peaceful successions that restored Songhay’s political strength. The renewed dynasty soon resumed pressure on Mali.
The occupation was not intended to establish permanent rule over Mali’s capital. Dawud allowed the soldiers to take provisions inside the king’s palace and then evacuated the town. The episode illustrates the raiding strategy used to harass Mali and weaken its power without attempting immediate annexation.