Ali I Gaji
| Ali I Gaji | |
|---|---|
| Mai of the Kanem–Bornu Empire | |
| Reign | 15th/16th century (27–34 years) c. 1470–1503 |
| Predecessor | Muhammad V |
| Successor | Idris III Katagarmabe |
| Died | c. 1503 Ngazargamu, Bornu |
| Spouse | Aisa |
| Issue | Idris III Katagarmabe |
| Dynasty | Sayfawa dynasty (Idrisid) |
| Father | Dunama V Ahmad |
| Mother | Zainab |
Ali I (‘Alī bin Dunama), called Ali Gaji, was mai (ruler) of the Kanem–Bornu Empire in the late 15th and early 16th century, ruling approximately 1470–1503. Considered one of the greatest rulers of the empire, Ali is most widely known for founding the new imperial capital of Ngazargamu.
Ali ended the century-long civil wars between the Idrisid and Dawudid branches of the imperial family and his reign saw military expansion and important administrative reforms, and an overall increase in imperial prestige. These numerous achievements are seen by several historians as marking the beginning of a second era of the Kanem–Bornu Empire.