Almami

Almami (Also: Almamy, Almani, Almany) is a title of West African Muslim rulers, used especially in the conquest states of the 19th century. It is a contraction of Amir al-Mu'minin (Arabic أمير المؤمنين), usually translated "Commander of the Faithful" or "Emperor of the Believers". In the Arabic world, Amir al-Mu'minin is similar to Caliphs and to other independent sovereign Muslim rulers that claim legitimacy from a community of Muslims. It has been claimed as the title of rulers in Muslim countries and empires and is still used for some Muslim leaders.

Famous holders of the title

• Ibrahima Sori Yero Poore of the Imamate of Futa Jallon.
• Karamokho Alfa, Imamate of Futa Jallon
• Bokar Biro, Imamate of Futa Jallon
• Almamy Ahmadou of Timbo
• Almany Niamody of the Toucouleur vassal state of Kaarta.
• Samori Ture of the Wassoulou Empire.
• Maba Diakhou Bâ, almamy of Rip in the Saloum region of Senegal.

Proper name

In recent times the word has become a proper name in some areas of West Africa in honor of the historical figures known by the title. Malian independence leader Almamy Sylla and Guinean football player Almamy Schuman Bah are examples.

References

• B. A. Ogot(ed). Africa from the Sixteenth to the Eighteenth Century. UNESCO General History of Africa (1999) ISBN 0-85255-095-2

"almamy: (title In Futa Bundu, Futa Jallon, Futa Toro and the Sokoto Caliphate): a Fulfulde version of the title imam."