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The Askya dynasty owes its name to the lasting
influence of Songhoy women. Emperor Askya Mohamed I was not always
known as “Askya.” Before he took over the empire, he was known by
his family name: Mohamed Boubakar Sylla. His father, Boubakar Sylla,
was a Marka businessman from Fouta Toro, in what is now
Senegal. His mother, Kassaï, is said to have been one
of Sonni Ali Ber’s sisters.
When Mohamed Sylla defeated Sonni Ali Ber’s son, Si
Baro, as a sign of protest, another of Sonni Ali’s sisters
shouted: “A si kia.” That is, “You will not be the king,”
in Songhoy. That is how Mohamed Sylla became
known as “Askia” or “Askya,” which also became the
name of the dynasty he founded.
To this very day, Africans still are fond of Askya’s counter-dissin' technique of accenting
his triumph
by wrapping it in the robe, or, in this case, the words of
those who verbalized their discontent and discount of him.
Dr. Maiga’s research is shedding new light on Askya
Mohommed, and especially the powerful role played by women in the
Songhoy Kingdoms. One particularly poignant story
sheds some light on Askya and his use of
traditional African Spirituality.
Click here to read and listen to the story of
Askiya's
mother, Kassaï,
The Mystery of Ramses
Women's Lasting Influence
The Wisdom
of Kassaï
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