16th century – 16th century
Morocco and the Niger bend
Djudar Pasha was the Moroccan commander who led the expedition against the Songhay Empire in 1590–1591. He marched from Marrakesh across the Atlas and Sahara to the Niger, defeated Songhay forces at Tondibi, and advanced on Gao. Ahmad al-Mansur later recalled him and replaced him with Mahmud b. Zarkun, whose campaign continued the Moroccan destruction of Songhay political power.
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The Story
Djudar Pasha commanded the Moroccan column sent against the Songhay Empire by Ahmad al-Mansur. The expedition left Marrakesh on 30 October 1590, crossed the High Atlas, descended through the Draa valley, and entered the Sahara. After a forced march of sixty days, the army reached the Niger on 1 March 1591 and advanced to Tondibi near Gao.
At Tondibi, Djudar’s forces confronted the army of Askia Ishak II. Moroccan firearms proved decisive, and Songhay troops were defeated after a day of resistance. Djudar then marched on Gao, which had been deserted by its inhabitants, while Ishak II sought to negotiate the terms of a return to Morocco.
Ahmad al-Mansur was dissatisfied with the negotiated arrangement and recalled Djudar. Mahmud b. Zarkun replaced him and received orders to conquer the Sudan. Djudar later returned to the campaign, but the continuation of the Moroccan occupation encountered fierce resistance from Fulbe, Bambara, and Manden forces.
16th century – 16th century
Morocco and the Niger bend
Djudar Pasha was the Moroccan commander who led the expedition against the Songhay Empire in 1590–1591. He marched from Marrakesh across the Atlas and Sahara to the Niger, defeated Songhay forces at Tondibi, and advanced on Gao. Ahmad al-Mansur later recalled him and replaced him with Mahmud b. Zarkun, whose campaign continued the Moroccan destruction of Songhay political power.
Continue exploring
The Story
Djudar Pasha commanded the Moroccan column sent against the Songhay Empire by Ahmad al-Mansur. The expedition left Marrakesh on 30 October 1590, crossed the High Atlas, descended through the Draa valley, and entered the Sahara. After a forced march of sixty days, the army reached the Niger on 1 March 1591 and advanced to Tondibi near Gao.
At Tondibi, Djudar’s forces confronted the army of Askia Ishak II. Moroccan firearms proved decisive, and Songhay troops were defeated after a day of resistance. Djudar then marched on Gao, which had been deserted by its inhabitants, while Ishak II sought to negotiate the terms of a return to Morocco.
Ahmad al-Mansur was dissatisfied with the negotiated arrangement and recalled Djudar. Mahmud b. Zarkun replaced him and received orders to conquer the Sudan. Djudar later returned to the campaign, but the continuation of the Moroccan occupation encountered fierce resistance from Fulbe, Bambara, and Manden forces.
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