Ajuran Sultanate facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ajuran Empire Dawladdii Ajuuraan دولة الأجورانية
13th century–late 17th century
Flag
Capital	Mareeg (initially) Qelafo Merca
Common languages	Somali · Arabic
Religion	Sunni Islam
Government	Monarchy
Sultan, Imam
History
• Established	13th century
• First Ajuran-Portuguese war	1538–57
• Second Ajuran-Portuguese war	1580–89
• Oromo invasion	Mid-17th century
• Decline	late 17th century
Currency	Ajuran • Mogadishan
Preceded by Succeeded by Sultanate of Mogadishu Hiraab Imamate Geledi Sultanate
Today part of	Somalia  Ethiopia

The Ajuran Empire was a powerful Somali empire that existed in medieval times. It was also known as the Ajuuraan Empire or simply Ajuran. This empire was a Muslim sultanate that ruled over large parts of the Horn of Africa during the Middle Ages.

The Ajuran Empire was very well-organized. It had a strong government and a powerful army. This allowed them to defend themselves against attacks, even from the mighty Ottoman Empire. They also fought several wars against the Portuguese and managed to hold their own. After these wars, trade routes became even stronger.

Trade was a huge part of the Ajuran Empire's success. Ships sailed to and from many places. These included kingdoms and empires in East Asia, South Asia, Europe, the Near East, North Africa, and East Africa. This made the coastal areas very rich.

Building a Strong Empire

The Ajuran Empire was very important in its time. Its rulers built many impressive castles and fortresses. You can still see some of these buildings today, especially in southern Somalia. They also built pillar tombs, cemeteries, and entire cities. Many of these are now in ruins, but they show how skilled Ajuran engineers were.

During the Ajuran period, many people in the southern Horn of Africa became Muslims. This was partly because the government was based on Islamic law. The royal family, called the House of Garen, grew their lands. They became very powerful by using a smart mix of fighting, trading, and making friends with other groups.

Controlling Water and Farming

The Ajuran rulers were also very good at managing water. They built wells and cisterns (water storage tanks) along the Shebelle and Jubba rivers. Many of these wells are still used today!

They also created new ways to farm and collect taxes. These systems were so good that some parts of the Horn of Africa used them until the 1800s.

Decline of the Empire

Later rulers of the Ajuran Empire were not as strong. People started to rebel against them. By the late 17th century, the empire began to fall apart. It broke into several smaller states. The most well-known of these new states was the Geledi Sultanate.

Images for kids

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  The city of Merca was an important center for the Ajurans.

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  The Jubba River was vital for farming.

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  Farms in Afgooye thrived under Ajuran rule.

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  Examples of Mogadishan currency.

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  The stone city of Gondershe.

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  The walled city of Mogadishu shown on a 16th-century map.

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  Mogadishu traded for valuable gold coins from Europe.

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  The Ajuran Empire traded with the Ming dynasty and other kingdoms.

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  The medieval city of Barawa.

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  A 14th-century Somali-Arabo stone tablet.

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  Many Arab and Persian families made the Ajuran Empire their home.

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  Somali merchants from Mogadishu set up a trading post in Mozambique.

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  The tomb of Sheikh Hussein.

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  Almnara Somalia defensive tower.

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  A model of a medieval Mogadishan ship.

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  The Ottomans often helped the Ajurans fight the Portuguese.

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  During the Battle of Barawa, Tristão da Cunha was wounded.

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  In 1698, the Portuguese in Mombasa surrendered to a joint Somali-Omani force.

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  Somali sailing continued even after the Ajuran Empire fell.

See also

In Spanish: Sultanato Ajuran para niños