ISLAM IN NORTHERN AFRICA

North Africa was greatly impacted by the influence of Islam. The religion changed
the government, trade, and education. Islam remains the dominant religion of
North Africa.
CONQUEST
Islam began in the Middle East in the early 600s. In 632, soon after
the death of the prophet Muhammad, Arabs began to expand
their Muslim empire. In 647, they invaded northern Africa,
conquering much of the land. They turned back after defeating
Libya in return for tribute, or payment. The Arabs invaded again in
665, conquering almost all of north Africa from Egypt to the Atlantic Ocean and
Morocco. They continued to fight the Byzantine Empire and locals (Berbers) for
many years. All of northern Africa was firmly under Arab control in 709. Many
north Africans converted to Islam. The religion had an impact on the culture,
architecture, and economy of the region. The Muslims brought many
technological advancements like mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and
geography.

MAGHREB
The region of Africa that came under Muslim rule was
called the Maghreb. It stretched from the Egyptian and
Libyan border all the way to the Atlantic Ocean and
Mauritania. It included the present-day nations of
Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Western Sahara, and
Mauritania. People who originally lived in the area were
called Berbers. They were similar in ethnicity and speak
similar languages, known as Berber languages. They
initially fought back against Muslim conquest, but
eventually ended up converting to Islam and took on
Muslim culture.

MOORS
The people of northern Africa became known as the Moors after the Muslim
conquest. They were powerful in the Mediterranean during the Middle Ages,
controlling northern Africa and invading Europe. They controlled much of the
Iberian Peninsula (Spain) and the island of Sicily. The Moors held power over the
Iberian Peninsula for hundreds of years until they were forced out by the
Christian Reconquista in 1492.

CENTRAL AFRICA
Islam spread to Central Africa through trade relationships along the Sahara
Desert. Islam was important in both Mali and Songhai Empires. Mansa Musa is likely
the most famous Muslim of Central Africa. He converted to Islam and made a
legendary pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is thought that over 60,000 people
joined him on his journey.
©Teaching to the Middle