15th century – 15th century
Timbuktu and the southern Sahara
Tuareg rule over Timbuktu began in 1433 after Mali lost the city. Under Akilu-ag-Malwal, the Tuareg protected Timbuktu and levied tribute, while appointing a local governor to administer the city. The arrangement later deteriorated into oppression, prompting the governor to seek Sonni ’Ali’s intervention and facilitating Songhay’s conquest of Timbuktu.
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The Story
In 1433 Timbuktu passed from Mali into the sphere of the Tuareg, described as the white nomads of the southern Sahara. Rather than raiding the prosperous city, the Tuareg protected it and levied tribute in return. Akilu-ag-Malwal, their chief, preferred to remain in the desert among his tribesmen and governed Timbuktu through an appointed local administrator.
Muhammad-n-Adda, a Sanhaja from Shinqit and a dignitary of Timbuktu, became governor of the city. He pursued an independent policy while observing the growing power of Songhay on the opposite bank of the Niger. In 1464 he sent greetings to the newly enthroned Sonni ’Ali and asked to be counted among the king’s household.
After Muhammad-n-Adda’s death, Akilu appointed his son ’Umar as successor. Unlike his father, ’Umar sent Sonni ’Ali an insulting letter and boasted of his ability to resist aggression. When Tuareg rule became oppressive, however, ’Umar secretly offered Timbuktu’s submission to Songhay, helping Sonni ’Ali cross the river and take control of the city.
15th century – 15th century
Timbuktu and the southern Sahara
Tuareg rule over Timbuktu began in 1433 after Mali lost the city. Under Akilu-ag-Malwal, the Tuareg protected Timbuktu and levied tribute, while appointing a local governor to administer the city. The arrangement later deteriorated into oppression, prompting the governor to seek Sonni ’Ali’s intervention and facilitating Songhay’s conquest of Timbuktu.
Continue exploring
The Story
In 1433 Timbuktu passed from Mali into the sphere of the Tuareg, described as the white nomads of the southern Sahara. Rather than raiding the prosperous city, the Tuareg protected it and levied tribute in return. Akilu-ag-Malwal, their chief, preferred to remain in the desert among his tribesmen and governed Timbuktu through an appointed local administrator.
Muhammad-n-Adda, a Sanhaja from Shinqit and a dignitary of Timbuktu, became governor of the city. He pursued an independent policy while observing the growing power of Songhay on the opposite bank of the Niger. In 1464 he sent greetings to the newly enthroned Sonni ’Ali and asked to be counted among the king’s household.
After Muhammad-n-Adda’s death, Akilu appointed his son ’Umar as successor. Unlike his father, ’Umar sent Sonni ’Ali an insulting letter and boasted of his ability to resist aggression. When Tuareg rule became oppressive, however, ’Umar secretly offered Timbuktu’s submission to Songhay, helping Sonni ’Ali cross the river and take control of the city.
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