Now imagine that you are an Arab merchant who has traveled to either India or West Africa. You may choose the region that you are visiting for this task. Think of the items you might be selling. Also think about the places you might have visited. In addition, consider the cultural characteristics such as language and religion that you’ve come into contact with. Refer back to the lessons in the unit and do some research on the Internet as support for this activity. Next, write a short diary entry of about 75 to 100 words from the perspective of the merchant. Make sure you include information about the items traded, places visited, and the cultural characteristics of the region.

Trade routes were protected by a strong military controlled by the Mansa. I went to bargain and trade salt and gold. As trade intensified between Africa and Asia, cities flourished along the eastern coast of Africa. These included Kilwa, Sofala, Mombasa and Malindi. These items could be sold at a profit because they were scarce in Asian countries. Many residents of the cities were willing to pay high prices for cotton, silk, and porcelain objects. These items were expensive because they were not available in Africa at the time. the Arab culture and Islamic religion developed in North Africa and East Africa. Islam also spread into Asia through trade along the Silk Road. The religion of most arab traders were islam.

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