how did asian civilization effect african civilization in 800-900 ce
During the period of 800-900 CE, there were several ways in which Asian civilizations had an impact on African civilizations:
1. Trade: Increased contact and trade between Asian and African civilizations influenced cultural exchanges, economic development, and the spread of goods and ideas. Asian merchants, mainly from Arab and Muslim communities, established trade routes across the Indian Ocean and Saharan trade routes, connecting Africa with the Middle East, Persia, India, and China. This trade brought new goods, such as spices, textiles, porcelain, and silk, to Africa, which influenced African material culture and trade networks.
2. Islamization: The spread of Islam from the Arabian Peninsula to Asia and North Africa also impacted African civilizations. Muslim traders and scholars played a crucial role in establishing Islamic communities along the East African coast, creating Swahili city-states that emerged as significant centers of trade and cultural exchange. The spread of Islam influenced political and social organization, language, art, architecture, and religious practices in these regions.
3. Knowledge and Education: Asian civilizations introduced new knowledge and educational practices to Africa during this period. Arab scholarship and Islamic learning made significant contributions in various fields such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and literature. North African centers of learning, like Timbuktu in the Mali Empire, became renowned centers of intellectual exchange and attracted scholars from different parts of the world.
4. Architecture and Urban Development: Asian architectural styles and construction techniques influenced African civilizations, particularly in the areas where Islamic culture had a strong presence. African cities, like Great Zimbabwe in present-day Zimbabwe, incorporated Islamic-inspired architectural elements such as domes, arches, and decorated facades in their structures.
5. Political and Military Influences: Asian civilizations intermittently influenced political developments in Africa during this period. Arab and Asian powers, such as Abbasid Caliphate, Aghlabids, and Fatimid Caliphate, extended their control over North Africa, influencing political structures and administration. The Islamic power in North Africa often clashed with native African states and empires, impacting political dynamics within the continent.
It is important to note, however, that the extent and influence of these interactions could vary depending on the specific region and the local African civilization in question.