Islam in Togo: Evolution and expansion of Islam in Togo - Part 1

Title

Islam in Togo: Evolution and expansion of Islam in Togo - Part 1

list of authors

Kwamé Seeti Sidza

Abstract

Islam arrived in Togo through the agency of various groups of itinerant Muslim pastoralists and traders, who came from the countries of northwestern Africa. Towards the end of the 18th century, Muslim traders from the Sudanic belt settled in Tchaoudjo among the Kotokoli. Different Muslim groups - the Fulani, Mossi, Djerma, Hausa and Tchokossi - settled in various other parts of Togo. Using a simple method of 'adaptation' and 'assimilation', Islam has been able to spread and implant itself in Togo. The evolution of Islam was also favoured by the direct or indirect advantages from which it benefitted during the colonial period, notwithstanding French 'supervision' and repression. The numerical evolution of Islam in Togo in the period 1924-1986 suggests an increase in the number of Muslims. In the fifteen years between 1970-1986 the Muslim population doubled and it now accounts for 17 percent of the Togolese. Today various factors are also working in favour of the increase of Islam among the ethnic communities of Togo. Muslims, formerly thought of as foreigners, have become citizens of Togo like the rest of the population.

Journal

Bulletin on Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa

volume

7

issue

1

page start

1

page end

12

Date

1989

Language

Anglais

Type

Article de revue

Identifier

Q113954728

iwac-reference-0000156

Spatial Coverage

Togo