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Relationship between Middle Maghreb and Western Sudanese cities during the middle ages and modern era was strong and multifaceted. First, their demographic interactions go back to very ancient times, and have been strengthened in the Islamic era. Second, their economic relations were particularly enhanced by the Maghreb's increasing demand for gold and slaves from Western Sudan, and the latter's import of textile, manufactured tools and Mediterranean agricultural products from the North. This trade led to the emergence of a number of Western Sudanese cities, such as Oudaghost, Tighadda, Tighazi, Wellata, Twate, Jenny and Tombokto, as well as a number of Middle Maghreb cities, including Tihert, Tlemcen, Warghla, Twate, Zab, Bejaia, and Constantine. Third, on religious influences, many Western Sudanese communities converted to Islam, thanks to the Muslim merchants who travelled to that region constantly. As a result, major empires were established on and strengthened by the new religion that coexisted peacefully with older beliefs. Fourth, their political relations go back to the Rustomi era and thrived during the times of the Ziride, Hafside and Zianite states through exchanging gifts and envoys. Most importantly, Maghili, a descendant of Middle Maghreb, occupied a prominent position in the court of Mohamed Askia, a Sultan of the Songhai Empire, where he had a great impact on many Western Sudanese Emirates and contributed to their political developments. The civilizational influences appeared first in science and culture, and second in religious orientations. On one hand, some Middle Maghreb cities such as Tlemcen, Twat and Biskra supplied the Western Sudanese cities with savants, imams and teachers who were then impacted by Western Sudanese scholars, such as Ahmed BabaTombokti. This scientific interaction resulted in adopting Arabic as the language of science, education, culture and governance in Western Sudan. On the other hand, the Kharijites' doctrine spread in Western Sudan before the Maliki jurisprudence became the official doctrine in North Africa. Other religious influences include the spiritual impact of Sufis, particularly the Qadiriya and Tijania, which spread widely among the people of that region
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