Sonni Ali Ber

Place: Gao

Born: 1464

Death: 1492

Biography:

Sonni Ali Ber, also known as Sunni Ali, was a West African monarch who ruled the Songhai Empire from 1464 to 1492. He is best known for expanding a small kingdom along the Niger River into a vast empire, which included the cities of Timbuktu, Massina, the Inner Niger Delta, and Djenne. Sonni Ali was a great military leader and is often referred to as Ali Ber, or 'Ali the Great'.

Early Life and Reign

Sonni Ali was born in 1464 in Gao, Mali, and received an Islamic education, but practiced a syncretic, unorthodox faith. Upon his accession, the Songhay already controlled the Niger river basin from Dendi to Mema. His first major conquest was the ancient city of Timbuktu, which was controlled by the Tuaregs. He conducted a repressive policy against the scholars of Timbuktu who he saw as associated with the Tuareg.

Conquests and Military Campaigns

Sonni Ali organized a powerful fleet on the Niger river and used it to lay siege to Djenne, which surrendered only after being reduced to starvation. He also conquered the lands of the Sanhaja called Nunu and was determined to seize the lands of Borgu but was unable to. His military campaigns were often against the Fulani of Massina and other nomadic peoples raiding within his borders.

Domestic Policies and Succession

Sonni Ali fought campaigns against internal enemies and ruled over both urban Muslims and rural non-Muslims at a time when the traditional co-existence of different beliefs was being challenged. His adherence to African animism while also professing Islam leads some writers to describe him as outwardly or nominally Muslim. After his death in 1492, his son Sunni Baru was immediately proclaimed king of Songhay by the army commanders, but he was challenged by Askia Muhammad Ture.

Artistic Legacy

Although Sonni Ali Ber was not a painter himself, his legacy can be seen in the works of Boncana Issa Maïga, a Malian artist who created paintings such as Panache and Salsa in New York. These paintings are part of the Timbuktu Renaissance, a cultural movement that emerged in the 20th century. The Timbuktu Renaissance is characterized by its unique blend of traditional African and Islamic influences.

• Visit Sonni Ali Ber's page on Wikioo.org to learn more about his life and legacy.
• Explore the Timurid Period Art Movement on Wikioo.org, which showcases the artistic achievements of the Timurid Empire.
• Read about the Songhai Empire on Wikipedia to gain a deeper understanding of Sonni Ali Ber's historical context.

is an excellent resource for learning about African art and history, with a vast collection of paintings, artists, and historical information. The Timbuktu Renaissance and the Songhai Empire are just a few examples of the many fascinating topics that can be explored on this website.