| Date | May 2019 | Marks available | 15 | Reference code | 19M.3op1.HL.TZ0.10 |
| Level | Higher level only | Paper | Paper 3 (History of Africa and the Middle East) | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Discuss | Question number | 10 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Section 5: Trade and the rise and decline of African states and empires (800–1600)
“Islam was a key factor in the rise of the Mali Empire.” Discuss.
Markscheme
The question requires candidates to offer a balanced review that includes a range of factors demonstrating how far Islam was the key factor in the rise of the Mali Empire. Candidates may agree, disagree or partially agree with the hypothesis. Candidates may discuss how the role of Islam contributed to the rise of the Mali Empire by considering the role played by two Malian Islamic leaders, Sundiata and Mansa Musa. They may consider how Mansa Musa who was a devout Muslim was able to use Islam to unify the people and thus set up the Mali Empire. They may also discuss the role played by his pilgrimage and how Islam enabled him to acquire administrative skills, which contributed to the rise of his empire. Other factors to be considered may include, the importance of the role of trade, agriculture and the defeat of Sumanguru by Sundiata.
Examiners report
The question required candidates to offer a considered and balanced review that included a range of factors that demonstrated how far Islam was the key factor in the rise of the Mali Empire.
