The Songhai Tax System That Funded an Empire

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the sophisticated tax and tribute system that powered the Songhai Empire, focusing on the reign of Askia Muhammad Toure (1493–1528). They discuss the central role of the fari-mondio (tax collector), the land tax known as kharaj, the trade tax on salt and gold, and the system of provincial tributes from conquered states like the Mossi and Hausa kingdoms. Lucas explains how the Askias balanced Islamic legal principles with local customs, using the Maliki school of law adapted by scholars like Al-Maghili. They also touch on the role of the qadis in tax disputes and the use of cowrie shells and gold dust as currency. The episode highlights the administrative genius of Songhai, contrasting it with the less centralized Mali Empire. Specific examples include the tax on Taghaza salt mines, the tribute paid by Kebbi, and the innovative use of the Niger River for transport of goods. The conversation ends with a reflection on how this system both sustained and strained the empire. #SonghaiEmpire #AskiaMuhammad #Taxation #Kharaj #FariMondio #Taghaza #NigerRiver #Mossi #HausaKingdoms #Kebbi #Maliki #AlMaghili #CowrieShells #GoldDust #WestAfrica #History #FexingoHistory #AfricanHistory #SunniAli #SankoreMosque Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo