African King Idris Alooma

We may think of Timbuktu as the pre-eminent site of pre-colonial West African scholarship, but there were other places spanning across Northern Africa and Western and Central Sudan that were renowned for their tradition of teaching…

One such place was Birni Gazargamu. This first great centre of Islamic learning in Central Sudan produced outstanding figures like Idris Alooma, the pioneering 16th century King who improved governance and infrastructure. A scholar himself, he funded scholarship and the copying of sacred books…

Read More:”Sub-Saharan Centres of Learningby Natty Mark Samuels

  • African King Idris Alooma