Askia the Great

Birth

Nov 18, 1442

Mohammad I Askia is born most likely near Gao, Songhai Empire (now in Mali). His birth name was Mohammed Ture ibn Abi Bakr.

General Mohammed

Nov 19, 1460

*There is no exact date for when Mohammed became a general. The date I put was a guess.
Mohammed becomes a general in Ali's army. Little is known about his early life, including the date of when he became a general of Ali's army.

Mohammed Reigns

Nov 19, 1493

Mohammed "kicks out" Abu Bakr Dao and reigns from 1493 to 1528 when he became blind.His term also saw an increase of trade with Europe, the building of many Islamic schools and incorporating Islam into the workings of the government.

the Hajj

Nov 19, 1497

In late 1496, Mohammed undertook the hajj to Mecca. In Egypt, the Abbāsid caliph bestowed upon Mohammed the title caliph of the Blacks.Mohammed's hajj was a key to the fortunes of Islam in West Africa.

Marching Into Haussa

Nov 19, 1512

In 1512, the Askia marched into the Haussia states. In the next year, the Askia would march against Katsena.

Mohammmed Becomes Blind

Nov 19, 1528

In 1528, they got rid of Mohammed, who was already blind and unable to rule, placing him on an island in the Niger. Nearly a decade of great disturbance took place before the Askia rivals settled on a system of succession and power sharing.

Decline of Songhai Empire

Nov 19, 1531

Following Musa's overthrow in 1531, Songhai's empire went into decline. I guess that Mohammed's sons really regret overthrowing their father now.

Recalled

Nov 19, 1537

He was placed on an island near the Niger River, where he remained until 1537, when another son, Ismail, gained the throne and recalled him. By then Askia Muhammad was sick and he died the next year.

Death

Nov 19, 1538

Mohammad dies near Gao. His people are very upset but continue on. He was and still is remembered as "Askia the Great". He is buried in The Tomb of Askia shown in the picture.

Songhai Fades Out of History

Nov 19, 1596

By 1596 Songhai had faded out of the stage of history.