ABSTRACT
In the middle of the eleventh century, when El Bekri was engaged upon his memorable description of Africa, the Western Sahara was in a ferment of political excitement over the triumphant progress of the Almoravids. The persistence of Ghana in its adherence to paganism and its continued commercial prosperity stood as a constant challenge to Almoravid supremacy. The king of Ghana was permitted to retain his throne, but he became tributary to the Almoravids. To the west of Ghana and athwart the Senegal lay the important kingdom of Tekrur. The people of Ghana obtained their gold from a country called Wangara, a name which for centuries remained wrapped in mystery. The downfall of Ghana may have been an ambition cherished by Abu Bakr, but he can scarcely have expected to accomplish it. The break up of the Almoravid sect enabled the Soninke of Ghana to regain their independence.
