A Bornu Rider

Credit: Edward Francis Finden
A Bornu Rider
Engraving
1828

In Major Dixon Denham and Captain Hugh Clapperton, Narrative of Travels and Discoveries in Northern and Central Africa in the Years 1822, 1823, and 1824 Vol. I.
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture—Manuscripts, Archives, and Rare Books Division, The New York Public Library

Idris Aloma reinforced and renewed a dynasty that would rule for 1,000 years.

Idris Aloma
c. 1546–1603
Reigned c. 1571–1603 over Bornu Empire from Ngazagarmu, Nigeria

A lone woman clad in gold might walk [the empire’s roads] with none to fear but God.
—Ibn Fartuwa, chronicler of Idris Aloma’s reign, describing the security of the Bornu Empire, 1576

• Aloma became mai (king) of Bornu during a period of famine and internal strife.
• A devout Muslim, Aloma returned from the hajj to Mecca with Turkish muskets and soldiers who helped him build his cavalry. He also built diplomatic alliances with Ottoman and Moroccan rulers.
• Aloma is remembered as a sensible ruler and administrative reformer who—through alliances and adherence to Islamic justice—made Bornu protected, prominent, and prosperous.