Why were these cities important to Songhai?
The cities of Timbuktu, Gao, and Djenne were important to the Songhai Empire because they were major centers of trade, scholarship, and Islamic learning. Timbuktu was known for its wealth, Gao served as a political and military center, and Djenne was a hub for commerce and culture. These cities helped the Songhai Empire establish itself as a powerful and strategic force in West Africa.