The Tomb of Askia Muhammad I (1495)

The tomb of Askia Muhammad (1443-1538) I contains the remains of Africa’s prominent leaders ding the Middle Ages . Askia Muhammad ruled as emperor of the Songhai Empire from 1493 to 1538. This was one of the biggest African empires at the time. During Askia’s reign the empire became a center for learning and scholarship. Timbuktu was at the center of this golden age of African scholarship. The Tomb of Askia Muhammad I is currently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architecture is unique. A series of what appear to be poles stick out. These sticks cold have been some type of scaffolding or designed to protect the structure. The style looks closer to a Mesoamerican pyramid or a ziggurats , rather than an African pyramid . An Islamic influence can be seen in the architecture of the tomb. Islam was a unifying force for the Songhai Empire. The Tomb of Askia is located in Gao, Mali. Gao was made the capital and Islam became the official religion . Indigenous African religion did not disappear, rather mixed with Muslim beliefs. Next to the Tomb of Askia there are two mosques, the necropolis, and the white stone square. The style of buildings and tombs can be described as Sudano- Sahelian. Other members of Askia’s family were supposedly buried there. The Tomb of Askia is composed of mud bricks and wood. Buildings and various structures are proof of an African empire that had vast wealth and influence. The construction of the tomb was most likely influenced by Askia Muhammad’s pilgrimage to Mecca. Askia’s accomplishments included expanding the boundaries of the empire, establishing a more efficient administrative system, and expanding literacy.