The architecture of the Sankore Mosque in Timbuktu showcases cultural diffusion primarily through the influence of Arab traders and Islamic scholars. Here are a few points to consider for each of the options:
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Arab traders introduced West Africans to new religious practices.
This is a significant aspect of cultural diffusion, as the mosque itself serves as a center for Islamic worship and reflects the adaptation of Islamic architectural styles that Arab traders brought to West Africa. -
Arab scholars created libraries to house religious texts in West Africa.
While this is true and reflects the intellectual and cultural exchange that occurred in Timbuktu, it does not specifically pertain to the architectural features of the mosque itself. -
Arab merchants established markets to exchange goods and ideas.
This indicates the broader context of trade and cultural exchange, yet it does not directly address the architectural aspects or how they reflect cultural diffusion. -
Arab griots created temples for followers to practice ancestor worship.
This statement mixes different cultural practices; griots are traditionally storytellers and musicians in West African culture, and ancestor worship is not typically associated with Islamic practices.
In summary, the best choice regarding how the architecture of the Sankore Mosque demonstrates cultural diffusion is likely the first option, which emphasizes the introduction of new religious practices by Arab traders. The mosque itself is a physical representation of the blending of Arab and African architectural elements and Islamic influences in West Africa.
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