Askia Muhammad
Askia Muhammad (1441?-1538), also known as Askia I or Askia the Great, became king in 1493. He ruled the empire of Songhai in western Africa during the height of its power. Askia reorganized the government, expanded trade, and encouraged the people to practice Islam, the religion of the Muslims. He also seized large territories from Mali, conquered the Hausa states, and turned desert Berber towns into Songhai colonies. His three sons deposed him in 1528.
Excerpt adapted from the "Askia Muhammad" article, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999