Trading Center: Mali's capital, Niani, grew into a major trading center. Merchants from various parts of West Africa and even from North Africa and the Middle East gathered in Niani to exchange goods and engage in trade.
Trans-Saharan Trade: The Mali Empire played a significant role in the trans-Saharan trade routes. It facilitated trade between the savanna regions of West Africa and the Maghreb (North Africa). Goods such as gold, salt, slaves, spices, ivory, and textiles were traded along these trade routes.
Architecture: The Mali Empire made notable contributions to architecture, particularly with the construction of impressive mud mosques. The Great Mosque of Djinguereber, for instance, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and reflects the advanced architectural skills of the Mali people.
Mansa Musa's Pilgrimage: Mansa Musa, one of the most famous emperors of Mali, undertook a hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca in 1324. His extravagant entourage and display of wealth during the journey made him famous throughout the Islamic world.
Learning and Education: Timbuktu, a city within the Mali Empire, emerged as a significant intellectual and cultural center. It was home to renowned scholars, libraries, and universities and became a hub for the study of Islamic law, philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.
