Person

Askia Muhammad

Also known as Askia al-Hajj Muhammad, Muhammad Toure, Askia Muhammad I

Askia Muhammad, also known as Askia al-Hajj Muhammad or Muhammad Toure, was the ruler who seized power in the Songhai Empire in 1493 and founded the Askia dynasty. He expanded the empire, organised its administration and army, and promoted Islam and scholarship. His pilgrimage to Mecca strengthened his legitimacy as a Muslim ruler.

Mentioned in 2 profiles

Songhai EmpireFoundation, Military, GovernanceHausa kingdomsMilitary

Mentioned in 3 state histories

Sultanate of AgadezKingdom of OuagadougouKingdom of Kebbi

See also

Cite this entry
APA
The Epoch Institute. (2026). Askia Muhammad. In The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/askia-muhammad
MLA
“Askia Muhammad.” The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/askia-muhammad. Accessed .
Chicago
The Epoch Institute. “Askia Muhammad.” The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/askia-muhammad.
Harvard
The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Askia Muhammad’, The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/askia-muhammad (Accessed: ).

Last reviewed October 2026Random entry ↻