Welcome to the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of African History

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Letter from the editor

Islamism in Somalia

"Islamism is a complex ideology based on Islamic principles, interpreted differently by various actors. Gaining prominence after the September 11 attacks and the global war on terrorism..." – By Abdurahman Abdullahi (Baadiyow)

Secret Knowledge, the Supernatural, and Slavery in Western Africa

"Slavery deeply impacted West and West Central Africans’ collective understandings of the structure of the universe and humans’ place within it. These societies widely accepted a supernatural realm that required secret knowledge..." – By Jessica Catherine Reuther

What's New to the OREs

In January 2025, 37 new articles and 2 revised articles, spread across 18 subjects, have been published on the Oxford Research Encyclopedias platform.

ORE Food Studies is Now Available via Subscription and Perpetual Access

On October 23, after a successful free period during development, the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Food Studies has been made available via subscription and perpetual access to libraries and institutions worldwide.

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