Recording-2025-03-07T02:27:55.193Z

Overview of the Trans Saharan Trade Network

A series of trade routes connecting North Africa and the Mediterranean with Interior West Africa and Sub Saharan Africa.
These routes expanded during the period around December, leading to significant developments and consequences in trade.

Introduction of the Arabian camel, approximately 1,000 years before the period began.
Development of camel saddles allowing for easier riding and transportation of heavier loads.
Establishment of Karavan Surai along the routes, serving as rest stops for merchants.
- These stops allowed merchants to rest, sleep, and eat during their travels.

Different regions specialized in certain goods, creating demand for trade.
- Exports from various regions include:
  - Gold and crops (notably kola nuts for caffeine).
  - Horses and salt, with salt being in high demand across the continent.
The division of goods led to interconnected trade among regions and further expansion of trade networks.

Established in the 13th century, with prior introduction of Islam.
Transition to Islam facilitated connections with economic trade partnerships across Dar al Islam.
Mali grew wealthy due to:
- Its role in the Trans Saharan trade network.
- Exporting goods (primarily gold) and taxing merchants traveling through its territory.

Similarities noted between Mali and the Sultanate of Malacca:
- Both controlled strategic points along major trade routes.
- Wealth generated from the taxation and control of trade.

Mansa Musa, a powerful and influential ruler of Mali, is a key figure.
Undertook the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca with a large entourage, stopping in Egypt.
His pilgrimage resulted in:
- Injecting vast amounts of gold into the Egyptian economy, causing a decrease in gold value.
- Demonstrating the extreme wealth of Mali due to trade participation.
Under Mansa Musa's leadership, Mali further monopolized trade between North Africa and its interior, enhancing its power and wealth while supporting the growth of trade networks.