Sultanate of Bagirmi

Sultanate of Bagirmi
1480/1522–1897
Bagirmi (pink) in the Lake Chad region around 1890
Bagirmi (pink) in the Lake Chad region around 1890
StatusSultanate, tributary state of the Bornu Empire
Capital
  • Massenya (1522–1893)
  • Chekna (1893–1897)
Common languagesBagirmi
Religion
Islam, African Traditional Religion
Mbang, later Sultan 
• 1480/1522–1536
Abd al-Mahmud Begli/Birni Besse
• 1885–1912
Gaourang II
Historical eraEarly modern period
• Established
1480/1522
• Islam becomes state religion
1568–1608
• French protectorate established
1897
• French dominance secured
1901
Area
• Total
70.000[1] sq mi (181.30 km2)
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Bulala
French Chad

The Sultanate or Kingdom of Bagirmi or Baghermi[2] (French: Royaume du Baguirmi) was an Islamic sultanate southeast of Lake Chad in central Africa. It was founded in either 1480 or 1522 and lasted until 1897, when it became a French protectorate. Its capital was Massenya, north of the Chari River and close to the border to modern Cameroon. The kings wore the title Mbang.

  1. ^ Zehnle 2017, p. 30.
  2. ^ EB (1878).