The African Caliphs: Political Leadership, Power, and Religion in West Africa during its Classical Islamic Age: 11th-19th Centuries Paperback – February 2, 2026

The African Caliphs, by Dr. A. Hannibal Hamdallahi, aims to critically examine the political behavior and leadership of West African Muslim rulers, known as African Caliphs, between the 11th and 19th centuries. It focuses on the personal level skills and strategies required to acquire, maintain, and sometimes lose political power. This work also explores the deep interconnections between religion and governance during this important period of West African political, social, and religious history. It seeks to provide a more integrated understanding of how religion influenced the governance of African Caliphs, and how their experiences offer valuable leadership lessons for contemporary leaders. By focusing on the intersection of religion and politics, and drawing from a wide array of scholarly traditions, the study aims to offer insights that not only illuminate historical episodes, but also inform current political practices Read more