Why did Mansa Musa go to Cairo?

Mansa Musa, the emperor of the Mali Empire, traveled to Cairo in 1324 as part of his pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj. His journey was not only a religious pilgrimage but also an opportunity to showcase the wealth and power of his empire. During his time in Cairo, he distributed gold generously, which significantly impacted the economy of the region and enhanced his reputation as a powerful and prosperous ruler. This pilgrimage helped to establish trade routes and cultural exchanges between West Africa and the Middle East.