MUHAMMAD I ASKIA

died March 2, 1538, Gao, Songhai Empire also spelled Mohammed I Askiya, also called Askia Muhammad, or Muhammad Ture, original name Muhammad Ibn Abi Bakr Ture, Ture also spelled Towri, or Ture West African statesman and military leader who usurped the throne of the Songhai Empire (1493) and, in a series of conquests, greatly expanded the empire and strengthened it. He was overthrown by his son, Askia Musa, in 1528.