Timbuktu under Imperial Songhay: A Reconsideration of Autonomy

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Periodical article

Title:	Timbuktu under Imperial Songhay: A Reconsideration of Autonomy
Author:	Gomez, Michael A.
Year:	1990
Periodical:	The Journal of African History
Volume:	31
Issue:	1
Pages:	5-24
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	West Africa Mali
Subjects:	Songhai polity history traditional polities History and Exploration
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/182798
Abstract:	Songhay sources in the 17th century portray the relationship between Gao, the political capital of the State, and Timbuktu, the religious and commercial centre, as abnormally important. The view is that Timbuktu was not only autonomous, but a source of important political influence over policy decisions at Gao. A consensus of contemporary scholars has embraced this depiction. In contrast, the present study argues that Timbuktu was not autonomous, but that Gao was successful in achieving its original objective in capturing the city: financial profit. In addition, the evidence is consistent in outlining the relatively negligible political influence of Timbuktu over Gao. The Timbuktu-centred chronicles are largely responsible for this distortion; it is therefore necessary to approach these sources with even greater caution. It is also desirable to re-examine the roles of other Sahelian entrepots during the imperial Songhay period (1464-1591) to determine more accurately their relative importance. Notes, ref.