Kong, Ivory Coast
| Kong | |
|---|---|
| Town, sub-prefecture, and commune | |
 Kong
|
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| Coordinates: 9°9′N 4°37′W / 9.150°N 4.617°WCoordinates: 9°9′N 4°37′W / 9.150°N 4.617°W | |
| Country |
 Ivory Coast
|
| District | Savanes |
| Region | Tchologo |
| Department | Kong |
| Elevation | 328 m (1,076 ft) |
| Population (2014) | |
| • Total | 29,190 |
| Time zone | GMT (UTC+0) |
Kong is a town in northern Ivory Coast. It is a sub-prefecture of and the seat of Kong Department in Tchologo Region, Savanes District. Kong is also a commune. It was the capital of the Kong Empire (1710–1895).
Kong is in the sub-Saharan Sahel–tropical Savanna belt biogeography region, of grasslands with trees, such as the baobab (Adansonia digitata), shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) and other species. Comoé National Park is to the east.
Kong emerged as a trading centre when Mali Empire merchants began trading in the territory of the surrounding Senufo people. The sub-prefecture of Kong, in the area of Kong to Dabakala, is said to be the "origin" area, where Mandé ethnic group traders known as the Dioula–Juula migrated from the Niger basin to settle in the 12th century.
The Juula traders brought with them their trading skills and connections, and transformed Kong into an African international market for the exchange of northern desert goods, such as salt and cloth, and southern forest exports such as cola nuts, gold, and slaves.
As Kong grew prosperous from trade its early rulers from the Taraweré clan combined Juula and Senufo traditions, and extended their authority over the surrounding region.
In 1710, Seku Ouattara (Wattara), a Dioula warrior, invaded the area and conquered the city of Kong with his cavalry. He established himself as ruler and, under his authority, the city rose from a small city-state to the capital of the great Kong Empire. It held sway over much of the region for over 150 years.
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Wikipedia