Final answer:
Sunni Ali was the leader of the Songhai Empire and expanded it into one of the greatest empires of medieval Africa. He is remembered for capturing key trade centers and for his military conquests, which enabled Songhai to attain significant wealth and power. The correct answer is option: d. songhay
Step-by-step explanation:
Sunni Ali was a pivotal figure in African history, particularly in the context of the Songhai Empire. He became the leader of the Songhai nation and is known for expanding the small kingdom of Gao into the enormous empire of Songhai. Sunni Ali's reign began around 1464, and during his leadership, he annexed various territories including the important trade centers of Timbuktu and Djenné.
Despite Sunni Ali's own Muslim faith, he waged wars against other Muslim forces, which tarnished his reputation among some Muslim scholars, leading to him being characterized as an oppressor by Arabic historians. Nevertheless, in Songhai oral tradition, Sunni Ali is remembered as a great general and conqueror, and he is credited with significantly enriching his kingdom and enabling it to surpass the wealth of the Mali Empire. Under his rule, the Songhai Empire became one of the greatest empires in medieval Africa.