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New Configurations (1050-1150) - The Seljuks and the Almoravids - West African Connections

Q: What did Andalusian writer al-Bakri write about Awdaghust?

'in Awdaghust there is one cathedral mosque and many smaller ones, all well attended. In all the mosques there are teachers of the Qur'an.' 'transactions are in gold, and they have no silver. There are handsome buildings and fine houses.' 'Sudan women, good cooks, one being sold for 100 mithqals or more. They excel at cooking delicious confections such as sugared nuts, honey doughnuts, various other kinds of sweetmeats, and other delicacies. There are also pretty slave girls with white complexions.'

4 important questions on New Configurations (1050-1150) - The Seljuks and the Almoravids - West African Connections

How is the route between Sijilmasa and Awdaghust characterized?

The route between Sijilmassa and Awdaghust was not only a trade corridor but also a conduit for Islamization.

What was different about the sort of Islam practiced in Gao and elsewhere in the Sahara?

The sort of Islam practiced in Gao and elsewhere in the Sahara was not simply derivative of Almoravid forms but rather drew on indigenous customs and sensibilities.

What did Andalusian writer al-Bakri write about Awdaghust?

"in Awdaghust there is one cathedral mosque and many smaller ones, all well attended. In all the mosques there are teachers of the Qur'an."
"transactions are in gold, and they have no silver. There are handsome buildings and fine houses."
"Sudan women, good cooks, one being sold for 100 mithqals or more. They excel at cooking delicious confections such as sugared nuts, honey doughnuts, various other kinds of sweetmeats, and other delicacies. There are also pretty slave girls with white complexions."