World Bulletin / News Desk

The Ottoman heritage lives on in one of Africa’s poorest countries Niger, as the residents of Agades declare themselves to be the descendents of the Ottoman sultan Yildirim Beyazid.

In the 14^th century a dispute over leadership broke out among the tribes, following which some tribes went to visit the Ottoman lands seeking a solution. Upon hearing of this dispute, the Ottoman leader at the time, Sultan Beyazid I, sent his son Yunus, who was born to an African concubine, to rule over Agades.

Yunus was declared the Sultan of Agades, and his sultanate has been passed down from father to son ever since. The current leader, Sultan Ibrahim Oumarou, is a direct descendent of the Ottoman prince.

The Turkish ambassador to Niger, Hasan Ulusoy, has called for more research to be done regarding the people of Agades, where many Ottoman traditions and customs still continue up until this day.

The people of Agades are held in high esteem in Niger, where the Ottoman Empire and modern-day Turkey are held dear to the hearts of many people, in appreciation for their long history of support.