Which emperor of the kingdom of Mali is known for his pilgrimage to Mecca and for establishing trade routes to the Middle East?

Mansa Musa is renowned for his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, which significantly highlighted the wealth and sophistication of the Mali Empire. His journey is famous not only for its scale but also for the impact it had on trade and the Islamic world. During this pilgrimage, he traveled with a large caravan that included thousands of people and a substantial amount of gold, which he distributed along the way, showcasing the riches of his kingdom.

Mansa Musa's relationship with trade routes is particularly noteworthy as he established and expanded connections between the Mali Empire and the Middle East, leading to an increase in economic activity and cultural exchange. His reign marked a period of prosperity for Mali, making it a central hub for trade in gold and salt, two of the era's most valuable commodities. The influence of Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage and his promotion of Islam also facilitated increased interactions with Islamic scholars and merchants, further solidifying Mali's importance in global trade networks.

In contrast, while other leaders like Askia Muhammad and Sundiata Keita were significant in their own rights, they do not have the same direct association with such a famous pilgrimage or the establishment of trade routes to the Middle East as Mansa Musa does.