Final answer:
The statement that West Africans did not profit much from the Saharan trade because the routes were connected by mosques is false. The Saharan trade routes played a crucial role in connecting West Africa to other regions and facilitating the distribution of goods and cultural influences. The presence of mosques in West African trading towns demonstrated the adoption of Islam and the recognition of the importance of Muslim-led trans-Saharan trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of West African trade routes, the statement that states 'West Africans did not profit much from the Saharan trade because the routes were connected by mosques' is false.
The truth is that the Saharan trade routes played a crucial role in connecting West Africa to North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. These trade routes allowed for the widespread distribution of goods, including raw materials and finished products, which were necessary for commerce to thrive. Additionally, the trade routes facilitated the diffusion of cultural influences, including religion, to other civilizations.
While it is true that mosques were present in West African trading towns like Gao and Koumbi Saleh, they did not hinder trade or prevent West Africans from profiting. Rather, the presence of mosques demonstrated the adoption of Islam by some ruling elites and the recognition of the importance of Muslim-led trans-Saharan trade to the West African economy.