Hey readers! Wow! I have some exciting information to share with you all. I was able to get an inside look at one of the court ceremonials here in Mali! While I couldn't actually be inside myself, I met someone who was, Ibn Battuta! I'll get into the details of that momentarily but I just have to say, what an all-consuming culture! Being here in Mali has been so eye-opening, learning firsthand about the Malians and their court rituals and operations has been so interesting. Even from an outsider's perspective, the royal lifestyle seems so exquisite. After conversing with the intellectual fellow Ibn Battuta, who has spent seven months here in Mali, we were able to compare accounts in addition to him telling me all about the court ritual. Battuta described to me how he took note of how magical it sounded, with the sounds of drums and trumpets echoing throughout the air whenever the Mansa holds council, as well as how fitting it was with the elaborate gold and silver arches around the Mansa’s pavilion. Although I was outside with the rest of the civilians, I wish I could’ve been in the courtroom when that had happened because he also told me about how while everyone stood around the Mansa, singers sang elegant tunes and music filled the room as the cavalry commanders entered the room. Just by being here, I have learned so much about the ways of the royal court here in Mali. Apparently, the court consists of many trusted officials, such as the griot and the farariya, and more. The griot, or feli, is the Mansa’s spokesman, counselor, tutor, and director of the court musicians. Additionally, the farariya, otherwise known as the commanders of the cavalry, and the mansa’s personal guard served as the military representatives in court. Of course, there are other valued officials and representatives present. It only makes sense to have so many valued court members since the court is very centralized here in the Malian culture. As these administrative processes are mostly verbal and only occur once a year, it is especially important to go over all circumstances and problems to ensure an efficient meeting. This is also a system that heavily relies on respecting the Mansa, which connects to how if a governor or court member disrespects the Mansa, they will not be included in the next year’s court. Given that the Mansa and their court have strong links within the empire from familial connections and imperial principles, I have been able to see how interested all the civilians are in the court happenings. I hope to continue learning and witnessing more about the court system during my time here in Mali and how integrated into the societal structure it is! It was wonderful getting to meet Ibn Battuta, and I am so grateful for his firsthand account of being there! Next time we meet, readers, I will, hopefully, be in Dakajalan!