Askia Muhammad vs Kutlug I Bilge Kagan

Askia Muhammad overthrew Sonni Baru, the son of Sonni Ali, in a coup. Muhammad, a general under Sonni Ali, seized power after Baru refused to embrace Islam more fully, establishing the Askia dynasty.

Askia Muhammad made a pilgrimage to Mecca, traveling with a large retinue and distributing gold. He was appointed Caliph of the Sudan by the Abbasid caliph, enhancing his religious and political legitimacy.

Askia Muhammad reorganized the Songhai Empire into provinces governed by appointed officials. He standardized weights, measures, and currency, and established a professional bureaucracy, improving tax collection and governance.

Askia Muhammad patronized Islamic scholars and built mosques and schools in Timbuktu, Gao, and Djenn

Askia Muhammad led a military campaign against the Hausa city-states, including Kano and Katsina. He conquered them and imposed tribute, extending Songhai control over the Hausa region and securing trade routes.

Kutlug I Bilge Kagan led the Uyghur tribes in overthrowing the Second Turkic Khaganate. He proclaimed himself khagan, establishing the Uyghur Khaganate with its capital at Ordu-Baliq.

Kutlug I Bilge Kagan formed an alliance with the Tang dynasty against the remnants of the Turkic Khaganate. This alliance secured Tang recognition of the Uyghur Khaganate and provided military support.

Kutlug I Bilge Kagan consolidated Uyghur control over the former Turkic territories, incorporating tribes such as the Basmyls and Karluks. He established a centralized administration and promoted trade.

Kutlug I Bilge Kagan died in 747, succeeded by his son Bogu Qaghan. His death marked the end of the founding phase of the Uyghur Khaganate, which continued to expand under his successors.