The Penultimate Quiz West Africa History/Culture

Explanation
Timbuktu was indeed a great cultural center in the empire of Mali. It was a hub for trade, scholarship, and Islamic learning during the 14th to 16th centuries. Timbuktu was renowned for its prestigious universities, libraries, and mosques, attracting scholars and traders from across Africa and the Arab world. It was a significant center for the spread of Islamic culture and knowledge, making it an important cultural and intellectual hub in the empire of Mali.

Explanation
The Atlantic slave trade did indeed have devastating effects on West Africa. It resulted in the loss of millions of African lives, as well as the forced displacement and separation of families. It also led to the depopulation of certain regions and the disruption of local economies and social structures. The slave trade had a significant impact on the political and cultural landscape of West Africa, and it ultimately ended in the 1800s due to a combination of factors including abolitionist movements, economic changes, and political pressures.

Explanation
The statement is true because Nigeria is a diverse country with over 250 ethnic groups. Each ethnic group has its own unique language, resulting in a wide range of languages spoken throughout the country. This diversity is a reflection of Nigeria's rich cultural heritage and history.

Explanation
Most of the people in the Sahel region practice Islam. This is because the Sahel is a predominantly Muslim region, with Islam being the dominant religion in countries such as Mali, Niger, Chad, and Sudan. Islam was introduced to the region through the trans-Saharan trade routes and has since become deeply rooted in the culture and society of the Sahel. The practice of Islam is evident in the numerous mosques, Islamic schools, and religious festivals that are prevalent in the region.

Explanation
In West Africa, members of extended families are not encouraged to move to different villages. Instead, there is a strong emphasis on maintaining close-knit communities and living in the same village as one's extended family. This promotes a sense of unity, support, and communal living within the extended family structure. Therefore, the statement that members of extended families in West Africa are encouraged to move to different villages is false.