Kanem-Bornu was a powerful empire located in present-day Chad, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Niger. Here’s a brief but detailed history:
1. Early Origins (9th Century): The origins of Kanem-Bornu can be traced back to the Kanem Empire, which was established around the 9th century in the Lake Chad region. The empire was founded by the Kanembu people, who were of mixed Arab and Berber descent.
2. Expansion and Islamization (11th-14th Century): Kanem expanded its territory under the reign of Mai Dunama Dabbalemi (ca. 1221–1259), who is credited with converting Kanem to Islam. Islam became the dominant religion in the empire, and Kanem became a center for Islamic scholarship and trade in the region.
3. Decline and Rise of Bornu (15th-16th Century): In the 15th century, internal strife and external pressures led to the decline of the Kanem Empire. However, out of this decline emerged the Bornu Empire, which was founded by the Sayfawa dynasty. Bornu gradually expanded its influence, absorbing the remnants of Kanem and extending its control over the Lake Chad region.
4. Golden Age (16th-17th Century): Under the leadership of Mai Idris Alooma (ca. 1571–1603), Bornu reached its zenith. Alooma is credited with centralizing the administration, expanding trade routes, and strengthening the military. Bornu became a major center of trade, attracting merchants from North Africa and the Middle East.
5. European Contact and Decline (19th Century): In the 19th century, European colonial powers began encroaching on African territories. Bornu initially resisted colonial expansion but eventually succumbed to internal divisions and external pressures. The empire fragmented, with various regions falling under the influence of European powers and neighboring states.
6. Legacy: Despite its decline, Kanem-Bornu left a lasting legacy in the region. Its centralized administration, Islamic heritage, and trading networks laid the groundwork for future states in the Lake
The 27 dialects below are all part of Kanuri Language during the Kanem Empire that was established in ( 9th century) by Kanembu people mixed with Arab and Berber descent along Lake Chad region:
1- Kanembu
2-Koyam
3-Kangu
4-Karda
5-Kuburi
6-Kaaye
7-Kaama
8-Kajiri
9-Kuwawu
10-Kuri
11-Kaanzo
12-Manga
13-Maami
14-Mulami
15-Masami
16-MowWor
17-Ngazar
18-Nguma
19-Ngalaa
20-Ngarzu
21-Fadawu
22-Ferde
23-Tumaari
24-Tura
25-Larai
26-Bodowi
27-Wuje
Borno hosts the first, biggest Global Kanuri cultural festival in Maiduguri on 16th to 18th Febuary 2024, that brings Kanuris from Niger, Cameroon, Senegal, Chad, Libya, etc.
