Aissa Koli facts for kids
Aissa Koli, also known as Aisa Kili Ngirmaramma, was a powerful queen who ruled the Kanem–Bornu Empire. She was a "queen regnant," meaning she ruled in her own right, not just as a queen married to a king. Her reign is believed to have been from 1497 to 1504, or possibly from 1563 to 1570.
Aissa Koli's story is special because she was a female ruler in a time when many historians, especially those writing in Arabic, often didn't record the achievements of women leaders. This might be why her rule isn't found in all historical records. Also, the ruler who came after her, Idris Aloma, brought in a new system of government based on Islamic laws. This new system might have led to earlier records of female rulers being overlooked. However, in local African traditions, Aissa Koli is remembered as a great leader, just like the male rulers of her time.
How Aissa Koli Became Queen
There are a couple of stories about who Aissa Koli's parents were. One story says she was the daughter of King Ali Gaji Zanani. After her father ruled for one year, a relative named Dunama took over. Dunama ruled for only a year. During his time as king, he ordered that all the sons of the previous king should be killed. Aissa's five-year-old half-brother, Idris, was secretly sent away to Bulala by his mother to keep him safe.
When King Dunama died, Aissa Koli became the ruler. She was chosen because there were no other male heirs known at the time. She didn't know that her half-brother Idris was still alive. Another story suggests that Aissa was actually the daughter of King Dunama himself.
Her Time as Ruler
Queen Aissa Koli ruled for seven years. This was a full term for a ruler in her empire. At that time, kings and queens didn't rule for their entire lives. Instead, they ruled for a set period. Aissa Koli completed her full term as queen.
When her time as ruler was finished, she learned that her half-brother, Idris, was still alive. He was twelve years old by then. Queen Aissa called him back to the empire. She then had him crowned as the new ruler. Even after Idris became king, Aissa Koli continued to help him. She served as his adviser for the first few years of his reign, guiding him as he began his rule.
See also
In Spanish: Aissa Koli para niños
