Gaji of Bornu
| Gaji | |
|---|---|
| Mai of the Kanem–Bornu Empire | |
| Reign | 1456–1461 |
| Predecessor | Muhammad IV |
| Successor | Othman IV |
| Dynasty | Sayfawa dynasty (?) |
| Mother | Imala/Amala/Imata |
Gaji (Ghājī), also called Ghaji[1] or Ghazi,[2] was the mai of the Kanem–Bornu Empire in 1456–1461,[2] ruling during a century-long chaotic period of internal and external conflict.
Life
Gaji was the son of a woman named Imala,[1] Amala[3] or Imata.[3] His connection to the ruling Sayfawa dynasty of the Kanem–Bornu Empire is unclear. The German researcher Dierk Lange believes on unclear grounds that Gaji's father was Othman III Kalinumuwa.[4]
Gaji became mai in 1456, succeeding Muhammad IV.[2] He ruled until 1461,[2] when he was defeated and killed in battle by Muhammad, ruler of the Bilala people in Kanem.[3] Gaji was succeeded as mai by Othman IV, Muhammad IV's brother.[1]
References
- ^ a b c Cohen, Ronald (1966). "The Bornu King Lists". Boston University Papers on Africa: Volume II: African History. Boston University Press. p. 81.
- ^ a b c d Bosworth, Clifford Edmund (2012) [1996]. The New Islamic Dynasties: A Chronological and Genealogical Manual. Edinburgh University Press. pp. 126–127. ISBN 978-0-7486-2137-8.
- ^ a b c Barth, Heinrich (1857). Travels and Discoveries in North and Central Africa: Being a Journal of an Expedition Undertaken... 1849-1855. Longmans. pp. 641–643.
- ^ Lange, Dierk (1984). "The kingdoms and peoples of Chad". In Niane, Djibril Tamsir (ed.). General history of Africa, IV: Africa from the twelfth to the sixteenth century. University of California. p. 261. ISBN 978-92-3-101710-0.