Latest / The Songhai Empire: Africa's Powerful Forgotten Kingdom — Fexingo History
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…
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