asked 40.0k views
3 votes
Did the Kingdom of Ghana permit foreigners inside the King's court of advisors?

a) Yes
b) No
c) Only specific foreigners were allowed
d) The policy varied during different reigns

asked
User Klapsius
by
8.0k points

1 Answer

0 votes

Final answer:

The Kingdom of Ghana allowed Muslim foreigners within the King's court of advisors, as indicated by historical accounts from Al-Bakri and the existence of a mosque in the royal city for Muslims on diplomatic missions.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to historical records, particularly those from Al-Bakri, a Spanish Muslim geographer from the eleventh century, the Kingdom of Ghana was known for its blend of non-Muslim and Muslim individuals within its court of advisors. Despite the king and his immediate advisors practicing the animist religion, there was a significant Muslim population by 1000 CE, and many advisors were Islamic. This suggests that there was likely a policy of inclusivity towards foreigners, especially those on diplomatic missions, evidenced by the presence of a mosque in the royal city for their convenience.

However, there were distinctions in how foreign trade agents, particularly Europeans, were treated within different African kingdoms. In the Kingdom of Dahomey, another West African state, European agents were restricted to the main trade port and were not permitted to have direct dealings with the people, indicating that even within West Africa, the approach to foreign presence in royal courts could vary.

answered
User Venkatskpi
by
8.2k points
Welcome to Qamnty — a place to ask, share, and grow together. Join our community and get real answers from real people.