History of Kingdom of Kanem Essay

This paper describes an ancient culture of Africa, the Kingdom of Kanem. This paper explains the lifestyle, art, history, religion, and political system of the countries that occupy the region now. Kanem was an empire of ancient Africa which existed from the 9^th century and ended in the 19th century. Kanem was a vast area of Africa that included the present countries of Chad and Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon. The Kanem Empire was built by the nomadic people called Zaghawa who spoke the language of the Teda-Daza (Toubou). The Kingdom of Kanem was first mentioned by Arabian historical account in the 9^th century. And by the 10^th century, the emperor of Kanem conquered the Kawar Oases. “The political structure of the Kanem Empire had most likely grown out of rival states coming under the control of the Zaghawa.” (Empire of Kanem-Bornu (c.9th century-1900)). Saifa Empire was considered as the longest dynasty that ruled for 771 years in the Kingdom of Kanem. “The major factor that influenced the history of the state of Kanem was the early penetration of Islam.” (Brief Notes on Kanem Empire). The Saifa dynasty was greatly influenced by Islam, and they ruled the dynasty with Islamic principles. The Kingdom of Kanem was eventually a medium for the spread of religion in the area of Africa. Trade, especially in slaves, was the main business of the Saifa dynasty.

A group of black tribes was established in Kanem and started defeating the neighboring regions by the 13^th century. The group leader of Kanem converted to Islam religion and announced a holy war called Jihad against the neighboring tribal chief. During the long and energetic reign of Mai Dunama Dabbalemi, (ca.1221-59) Kanem’s development had reached a maximum level. Dabbalemi initiated the establishment of a special hostel in Cairo to assist the religious journeys to Mecca. The Fezzan area, currently known as Libya united with Kanem’s empire during the period of Dabbalemi’s supremacy. Dabbalemi developed a new method for military commanders. They got the right to do everything over the community they defeated. This system led commanders to pass their posts to their sons. “Dabbalemi was able to suppress this tendency, but after his death, dissension among his sons weakened the Sayfawa Dynasty.” (Brief Notes on Kanem Empire).

Kanem’s destruction started at the end of the 14^th century. The internal problems and external attacks led to the demolition of the Kingdom of Kanem. During the era between 1376 and 1400, six empires ruled the Kingdom of Kanem but they were killed by foreign invaders called Bulala. In 1396, Bulala compelled the Mai Empire of Kanem to move from Kanem to Bornu with his community. Those people built up a new kingdom known as the Borne Empire. The marriage between Kanem and Bornu created a new civilization.

The Kanem-Bornu Kingdom Empire, Mai Idris Aluma, was well known for his military talents, administrative reforms, and Islamic devoutness. He had so many victories in his hand. One epic poem narrated that he attained more than 1000 battles and he had 330 victories in his account. He flourished diplomatic relationships with many nations like Egypt, Tripoli, and the Ottoman Empire and sent many ambassadorial groups throughout the desert. Kanem-Bornu was strong and wealthy under the rule of Idris. He opened a new trade route through North Africa and the Mediterranean Sea. Aluma was very enthusiastic in trade and financial matters.

The Kingdom of Kanem was converted into Islam in the 11^th century and was ruined during the period of the 14^th and 15^th centuries following clashes among its aristocracy.

Works Cited

1. Brief Notes on Kanem Empire: Mai Dunama Dabbalemi. Kano Online.com. 2009.
2. Brief Notes on Kanem Empire: Origins. Kano Online.com. 2009. Web.
3. Empire of Kanem-Bornu (c.9^th century-1900). Black Past.org: Remembered & Reclaimed. 2008.