50 Greatest Africans - Abd-al-Mumin & Sarki Abdullah Burja

When We Were Kings

Abd-al-Mumin of the Almohades (ruled 1133-1163 AD)
Moroccan Founder of the Almohad Empire that ruled in North Africa and Spain

Abd-al-Mumin was a Negro Berber from Morocco. He became the leader of the Almohades, a radical Islamic movement that eventually became the Third Islamic Dynasty in Moslem Spain. Abd-al-Mumin took control of the movement in 1133 AD. A brilliant organiser, he unified the various Berber groups, not just the Mesmuda (his own group), into a cohesive force. In time, a power struggle took place between the ruling Almoravid establishment, an African power that radiated from Senegal, and the newly rising Almohades. The newcomers triumphed. In 1147 they seized the Moroccan city of Marrakech and executed the last Almoravid monarch that ruled there. Abd-al-Mumin commissioned the great Koutoubia mosque to be built there as a symbol of his conquest over the Almoravides. By 1150 he became master of Spain. "Thus for a second time" wrote Lady Lugard, a great English historian, "a purely African dynasty reigned upon the most civilised throne of Europe". By 1160 his armies took control of Tunisia and penetrated Libya. These actions gained control of trade routes. Dr Basil Davidson, another great historian, explained that: "the Magreb blossomed once again." Furthermore, "cities like Fez and Tlemsen rivalled the urban beauty and learning of Granada and Cordova, unsurpassed by now throughout the western world".


Tunisia: Crossroad of Civilization 
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SHAKAKING OF THE ZULUS (1818-1828)
A strong leader and military innovator, Shaka is noted for revolutionizing 19th century Bantu warfare by first grouping regiments by age, and training his men to use standardized weapons and special tactics. He developed the "assegai" a short stabbing spear, and marched his regiments in tight formation, using large shields to fend off the enemies throwing spears. Over time, Shaka's troops earned such a reputation that many enemies would flee at the sight of them. He built the Zulus into a nation of over a million strong. He was also sucessful in uniting all the ethnic groups in South Africa against the despicable vestiges of colonialism.

Traditions and Food Tips to Enjoy Morocco Travel to the Full ~ Morocco Travel- Travel Video Post Card

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What I love most about travelling is the first hand knowledge of other cultures. There is something unique about discovering the traditions, the way of life, the arts & crafts and especially the food. All Countries are fascinating in their own way; however there are places in the world that are richer than others in a way of traditions and history. Morocco is one of them. Not only Morocco sprouts history from every corner with its beautiful architecture and the Medina, which has kept the unspoilt status of old city and seems to guard its hidden secrets, but the traditions are just as evident in everyday life. You just need to visit one of the famous Moroccan markets to see the abundance of their arts and crafts, and if you are lucky enough you might even barter yourself a deal and take home one of the renowned Moroccan rugs or a precious handmade piece of silver jewellery.

Food lovers who travel to Morocco will be able to please their taste buds during their visit to Morocco where traditional food is well known for its succulent Tajine and couscous dishes. Moroccan food is based on meat, usually lamb or chicken, vegetables, couscous and a large selection of bread. Each recipe tends to carry very strong flavours, and will surely provide a wonderful gastronomic experience.

Soups are very popular and often a meal starts with a rich and spicy pulse soup called the Harira. As well as a first course pulse soups are often served for breakfast at cafes. Just like Harira, Bisara is a popular breakfast dish, a rich chickpea soup with fresh olive oil poured over the top. Many cafes specialize in soups and they are usually recognized by the piles of cups on the counter.

The other succulent Moroccan dish is the famous Tajine, which takes its name from the dish - a heavy ceramic covered dish - rather than the food itself. Classic Tajines are usually made with a generous portion of meat in the middle of the dish surrounded by vegetables and fruit. The dish is central to the success of a good Tajine that needs to slow-cook with the lid on. Lamb Tajines are usually cooked with almonds and prunes, while chicken Tajines are made with green olives and lemon. If you happen to be invited for a meal in someone's house, the Tajine will be in the middle of the table and the custom is to eat the vegetables in front of you accepting the pieces of meat the host offers you.

Couscous is the most renowned Moroccan dish, coarse semolina steamed with vegetables and spices served with lamb or chicken. Traditionally couscous is not a dish you would find at restaurants, but it is the food the locals eat on special days and the best couscous you could have is at a Moroccan household. If you wish to eat it at the restaurant remember to order it a few hours before you go. Dates, yoghurt, fresh cheese and olives are popular snacks accompanied with the many types of bread available. Mint tea is the national drink and is often offered in sign of friendship and during negotiation over price in shops.

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The History of Africa and the Transatlantic Slave Trade Era ~ The Enslavement of Sengbe Pieh (Full Amistad Depiction)

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It's an unfortunate fact that a major part of African history concerns the slave trade era, when African slaves were taken from their homes to be slaves in other parts of the world.

The transatlantic slave trade era in African history began when European empires began to flourish in the New World but needed a workforce. African slaves were brought over to do the work, and were found to be "excellent workers" -- they had knowledge of cattle management and with agriculture, and they were used to working in tropical climates. So, beginning around the 15th century, people were captured from Africa and then brought to the New World to work in mines or on plantations.

It might surprise you to know that African slavery was not actually new to Africa, and had actually been going on for centuries by that time -- nor was it the sole brainchild of evil Europeans. In fact, from about 1450 to the end of the 19th century, African kings and merchants actually were fully cooperative with slave traders and were willing participants in the slave trade process.

What made the transatlantic slave trade unique was that it was specifically done for the "Triangular Trade" that proved very profitable for merchants. With this, the first stage involved manufactured goods taken from Europe to Africa, such as metal goods, guns, beads, tobacco, cloth, and so on. Guns, too, were included in the trade specifically because they can help the Europeans expand empires and get more slaves, although this would later backfire and those firearms would be used against European colonizers. The goods that were taken to Africa were traded for African slaves.

The slaves were then shipped to the Americas as the second part of the Triangular Trade. The third and final stage of the trade was that a return to Europe was made with products from plantations run by slave labor, such as molasses, tobacco, cotton and sugar. When transatlantic slave trade began, slaves were first taken from Senegambia and the Windward Coast, and then moved to West Central Africa in Angola and the Congo in the 1650s.

From 1440 about 1640, Portugal was actually the only country to export African slaves. Interestingly, they were also the last country in Europe to abolish the institution of slavery, although it continued to utilize slaves as contract laborers even after that practice was defunct. Britain was the worst transgressor during the height of the slave trade and during this difficult time in African history, though, with 2.5 million of the roughly 6 million slaves transported during that time directly Britain's responsibility.

African slaves were under terrible conditions during forced marches along the coast and during the beginning of the transport; it's estimated that fully 13% of them died before ever reaching their destinations. Most African slaves were shipped to the Caribbean, the Spanish Empire, and Brazil, with less than 5% traveling to North America.

Slavery's effects continue to be felt today, and not just because descendents of African slaves remain scattered throughout the world through their ancestors' forced slavery and not because of choice. African American author and activist Maulana Karenga called the effects of the African slave trade "the morally monstrous destruction of human possibility involved redefining African humanity to the world, poisoning past, present and future relations with others who only know us through this stereotyping and thus damaging the truly human relations among people of today." He has said, in fact, that African slavery destroyed not just the people of that time but in fact the language, the culture, the religion -- and the very essence of "human possibility."

You can learn more about African history and African slaves by watching the African Side movie. Visit the website by clicking on any of the links above to see the movie trailer. AHM Cruise Vacations provides detailed information on Cruise Vacations, Caribbean Cruise Vacations, Discount Cruise Vacations, Family Cruise Vacations and more. AHM Cruise Vacations is affiliated with AHM Travel International (http://www.ahmtravel.com). Book Your Vacation now: AHMTRAVEL.COM Arthur Williams, " Join our business, Today!" Select the Business Opportunitybelow that suits you. Leave your name and number and I will get back to you. No one else will see your information : Home Travel Business. Home Wireless Telephone Service Business "Start Your Own Online Business And Work From Home. Today !!! " Click Here For More Information For more articles visit the blog: http://www.ahmtravelblog.com Become our Friend on FACEBOOK. Follow Us On Twitter: MLM_Traverus For Discount Travel Alerts!

Akon ft. Keri Hilson "Oh Africa " ~ Introducing Africa

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By Alex Nderitu

I was surprised, and more than a little amused, as I listened to a BBC Radio program on Africa earlier this year. A field reporter on assignment in mammoth China wanted to know how deep the locals' knowledge of the African continent went. The results: It barely scratched the surface. Intermixed with laughter were suggestions that the world's second-largest continent is composed of lions, elephants and bush. There were mentions of Mandela, South Africa and the film 'Out of Africa'. No, they didn't think there were any towns to speak of. Yes, there were plenty of wild animals. But most shocking of all was the suggestion that Africa is a single country. Even an interviewee who had actually been to Africa guessed that there were at most 14 different countries in all.

Africa is not, nor has it ever been, one vast country. It is a mosaic of 53 autonomous countries, most of them designated by European colonialists during the historical 'Scramble for Africa.' All attempts to marry up all the countries - to create a United States of Africa - have so far failed. In fact, some individual countries are having the devil of a time staying in one piece as it is: Eritrea was once a province of Ethiopia, Somaliland was once a part of the larger, war-prone, republic of Somalia. Zanzibar wants to cut the umbilical cord from mainland Tanzania.

In terms of acreage, the Sudan is the largest country. From above tiny Uganda in the equatorial regions, the (nearly) 1-million-square-mile Sudan spreads to the North where it rubs shoulders with Libya and the ancient land of Egypt. In terms of population, Nigeria is Africa's giant. Over 100 million people call this oil-rich West African country home and there are so many Nigerians in the US, Europe and Asia that when most non-Africans think of Africans, they're actually thinking of Nigerians. In terms of development, the sprawling republic of South Africa takes the cake. Located in, well, the south of Africa, the mineral-rich home of Castle Lager, De Beers, 'Cry the Beloved Country', Mandela, Charlize Theron , The Springboks rugby team and the Zulu tribe needs no introduction.

You can't analyze African social life without bringing in the aspect of tribe. Even in the 21st century, tribal relations are the ties that bind. Most marriages take place between people of the same tribe and, for the most part, voters vote along tribal lines. Conflicts also commonly arise from tribal animosity. The infamous 1994 Rwandan genocide between the Hutus and the Tutsis was the ultimate extension of tribal passion and arguably the darkest chapter in the Africa's history. You can often tell an African's tribe from his indigenous name. My surname, Nderitu (pronounced "Day-ri-to") is a dead giveaway that I come from the Kikuyu tribe of central Kenya. At first sight, all Africans may look the same but in reality most tribes have distinct features that set them apart - height, skin tone, build, dialects, hair, teeth and even talents. Most have their own language and some languages, like Swahili, are understood by different languages. All together, there are over 2,000 different languages.

A common misconception is that all Africans are Negroid (Black). All Negroes may come from Africa but not all Africans are Negroes. The northern rim of the continent (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco) is predominated by Semites (the Arab-Jew persuasion). Think Muammar Gaddafi or Bhoutros-Bhoutros Ghali. Coming down, we find the Negroes who mostly live in what is known as sub-Saharan Africa. In Eritrea and Ethiopia, we again encounter the ubiquitous Semites. Moving towards the southern end of the continent, we find the Capoid race with lighter complexions and hooded eyes (Nelson Mandela and musician Usher Raymond have Capoid features, UN boss Kofi Annan is pure Negroid.) Also in evidence all across the land is a sizable population of Caucasians and other non-Black people. Not to be confused with tourists and other visitors, these descendants of ancient European settlers, missionaries and Asian traders are as African as the Marula tree. Some are even more African than the original Africans. South Africa has the biggest 'jambalaya' of races - Blacks, Whites (including Boers), Browns, Yellows and, for all we know, green people from Mars (that's why it's sometimes referred to as "the Rainbow Nation"). Despite the spectrum of skin color, it is safe to say that most of Mother Africa's children are Black like me.

Eastern Africa is widely believed to be the cradle of human life. We're told that, eons ago, early humans embarked on an epic journey northwards (called "the Great Trek"). From Tanzania and Kenya, they walked slowly up to Ethiopia, traversed the Sudan, gained Egypt and crossed over to the contested area now covered Jordan, Israel, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria. From there, routes diverged with some pioneers venturing further into Asia, others legging it to Eastern Europe and some (probably due to confusion) returning to North Africa. Facts are sketchy but whichever way you slice it, the earliest human remains were found in East Africa (some as old as 4.2 million years). But this history poses some hard-hitting questions. If Africans were the original owners of the land, then how come they had to wait for the missionaries before they could advance academically and otherwise? Where were the Oprah's, the Michael Jackson's, the Bill Cosby's, the Michael Jordan's, the Condolezzas, the Mohammed Alis, the Naomi Campbell s, Ben Carson s? Why did the African giant have to be awoken? And why, oh why, is the second-largest continent still the poorest? The question of non-development, of Africans' seeming lethargy, is easily answered by Prof. Ali Mazrui's famous documentary, 'The Africans', in which he narrates: 'If necessity is the mother of invention, then bounty must be the mother of inertia.' In a land where you spit out a seed and return to find a fruit tree sprouting, the early Africans were under no pressure to advance technologically. Africa supports, by a mile, the widest VARIETY of plant and animal life - a tribute to her fertility.

Modern clothes were another superfluous commodity to early Africans, especially in the tropics (as the missionaries soon found out). The blazing African sun has played havoc with many a foreigner and even though the locals never suffer from 'sunburn' (whatever that is) the temperatures sometimes soar to uncomfortable heights - even for Africans. On the question of poverty, I have no ready answer because the continent itself is imbued with wealth. Most of the diamonds you see gleaming in jewelery boutiques around the world come from Africa. And much of the gold. And the coffee and tea and cut flowers and the cocoa many other "raw materials", hence "the scramble for Africa" which led to jealously-guarded colonization. Ghana was formerly known as the 'Gold Coast', has the world's largest gold and diamond deposits. In fact, most of the conflicts and political turmoil that you see in the press are all about controlling mineral and other wealth - Sierra Leone (diamonds), the DRC (assorted minerals), Nigeria (oil), Somalia (Heaven knows!).

At any rate, a good many Africans are well off, but the gap between the rich and the poor is the biggest without going as far as the sub-continent of India. While the super-rich command customized cars and even private planes, others are so poor they die from curable diseases like Malaria and their children walk several kilometers to school every day - on bare feet. Also on the subject of poverty, we must not lose sight of the fact that the majority of Africans still live in the rural areas ('the country' if you're American, 'the sticks' if you're British.)In Kenya, for example, more than half the population lives in abject poverty (on less than a dollar a day). You may have heard 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Wangari Maathai saying that she was so poor growing up that she and her friends used to play with frog eggs! (Wangari, do you have to tell them EVERYTHING? I want to be able to show my face in public when I tour Europe to promote my books!)

But what does it MEAN to be African? If a Negro was born and lives in the US, can he still claim to be an African? What if a Caucasian (I give you best-selling author Wilbur Smith as an example) is born, lives in, and loves Africa? Does that make him a certifiable African? Here's my circuitous and open-ended answer (and my conclusion to this x-ray of the land of my ancestors):

A long, long, time ago (way before the first man loved the first woman and a child was born) all the continents were stuck together. Various disturbances on the earth's crust coupled with the spinning of the earth (which makes it bulge out at the sides) caused cracks and, ultimately, separation. You may take it that all continents and islands are jigsaw pieces and all humankind is one large, checkered, family. As I said earlier, the first people lived in the tectonic fragment now known as Africa. Speaking on KTN TV recently, an American tourist ventured that all people should make a Mecca-like pilgrimage to Kenya at least once in their lives because it is our mutual 'home' (See the Leakey family's work on human origins). This is the reason the lack of interest in Africa expressed in the BBC Radio program amused me so much. Chinese, American, French, German, Russian, British or whatever our nationality, we may all be Africans in diaspora!

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South African Safari's / Paul Simon sings live from Zimbabwe "Call Me Al"

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South Africa is a land of enchantment and dreams. When you voyage to South Africa for a safari, you are in for one wild ride. You can expect to see all of the animals you've heard about in the classroom and witness nature in all of its glory. Your South Africa Safari will take you into the heart of the animals' natural habitat and see them, first hand.

Each day of your Safari will bring something new and exciting. You'll be having very long, full days on your journey to the heart of the African animal kingdom, so be sure to get plenty of rest each night. You will be getting up before the sun during your Safari trip. Your resort or hotel will serve you a large breakfast each morning. Make sure to get plenty to eat, too... Long days on Safari can make you as hungry as, well, a lion.

Each morning you'll head out, bright and early on your trek to the wilderness. You'll be traveling in an open air 4 wheel drive vehicle that allows you to see everything, all around you and your party. You can expect the most incredible trip of your life when you go on African Safari.

You'll enter the protected animal reserve and you will probably start out with a brief nature walk. Your guide will show you all of the local trees and plants that help sustain the wildlife. You'll get to do a little bird watching, too. There are some of the most colorful and unusual looking birds in the world in South Africa.

You'll marvel at the beauty of nature all around you on your Safari. You and your group will then get back into your vehicle and proceed deeper into the reserve where you will begin to see a variety of animals. It's very important to always follow the rules that your Safari guide gives you. You will be able to see the animals behaving in their natural habitat.

You'll see everything from crocodiles sliding through the marshes, pouncing on prey to nature's most majestic creature-the African elephant, bathing and playing. You may encounter animals that come right up to the vehicle. When they do, don't make a lot of loud noises or attempt to get out of the vehicle. As long as you don't give them reason to fret, they'll consider you harmless.

You'll also see all of the wild cats that you've read about or seen at zoos, in all of their majesty and brilliance. Your entire family will benefit from a South African Safari.

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Africa Resorts, Safari, Cuisine / Lucky Dube ~ Don't Cry "Live"

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When most people envision the African continent, they posses a preconceived thought that there are tribes running around everywhere and that the entire continent is riddle with jungle beasts. Though that could have been the reality centuries ago, nowadays most countries of the African continent are exactly like Europe.

You just need to know which place to go to. In fact, Africa is actually a great place to vacation in. It has warm beaches, high-dollar accommodations, great restaurants, and the people in Africa just can't be surpassed. So do not scratch Africa off your holiday list just yet.

Vacationing in Africa is really a very reasonable alternative for persons living in the Northern Hemisphere because Africa's annual seasons are opposite to ours. That suggests that when its 30 degrees Fahrenheit in your city and you truly wish to travel to someplace warm, all you need to do is travel to Africa where it will be 80 degrees Fahrenheit or better. And obviously the same thing could go on during our summer times. You never have to stress about discovering somewhere that is the right level of heat because all you need to do is take a trip over the Equator.

From a luxurious aspect, African resorts and hotels are actually quite accommodating and could be just as classy as resorts in other places. The scenery in Africa are absolutely breath taking, and you could locate a lot of beach side vacation resorts there. Any persons that you come across would probably be quite cordial and inviting, and the staff at the resorts you stay at will be equally as accommodating. The cuisine is wonderful; the shopping selection is amazing; the cities are thriving; need more be said? So throw those old views of Africa into the trash and say hello to a new idea. The African continent could actually be the perfect holiday destination for you.

by Aria Scherer.

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How To Organize Africa Safari Trip - Tips For You / Manu Dibango 'Lion of Africa'

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Africa is well known as the best place for adventures, tours and Safari. The trip of Africa can really be a great experience for you. You can plan your African safari tour in easy steps. You will find such easy steps in this article. This article will really help you in planning the Africa safari trip.

Select Destination
First of all, you have to decide the place to go for the tour. There are many beautiful places in Africa for your choice, but you have to choose the place that you like the most. If you are new to Africa and has never been at there, selection of destination may be a confusing decision to you. Don’t worry; the selection of destination will be based on the information about the destination. Try to gather information as more as you can. You can gather information from various sources like internet surfing, asking a friend or relative or by books and magazines. When you have collected all the information, it will be easy to choose the place of your interest. The place that you choose, should also be affordable to you.

Choose your budget
The Africa safari may be costly to you if you do not plan for the budget of the tour. You have to choose the destination at where you can go easily. Look for a tour package of Africa from any tours and travels company. The package should also cover the places of your interests. The tour should also be in your budget. The advance plan for the budget and accommodation of the tour will help you to save money. The more you go to luxury, more your budget will get increased. You should disclose the budget per person to the travel company. Now you can calculate the minimum amount per person.

Book up your Safari
After selecting the place to see and planning the budget, its time to book your trip to safari. You should look for a travel service provider, who can provide you the services which are best for you. The season of booking safari for the Africa is July to September. So if you are about to book your tour at this time, it is better for you to book it in advance. If you plan to go there in off-season months, you can happily wait for the few weeks till the time of tour. It is ultimately best for the tourists who plan to go to Africa in the season time to book their trips at least two or three months ago.

About payment
You have to pay to your travel agency for the trip. You can pay them in two ways, first is credit card transportation and the second one is the wire transfer. The payment by credit card may cost you more as it results in more processing fees.

You can be tension free once you have planned all things in advance for your trip. It is best for you to plan your trip in advance and get a memorable African Safari.

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