From Senegal and Guinea in the west to Nigeria and Cameroon in the east, Fulani groups moved and established communities, often maintaining their nomadic lifestyle while interacting with the sedentary populations they encountered. - **Assimilation and Interaction**: In many areas, they assimilated with local populations, adopting Islam and integrating into the political and social structures of these regions. The Fulani gradually adopted Islam, which became central to their identity from around the 11th century. ### 3. **The Role of Islam** - **Islamization**: Islam played a crucial role in Fulani identity, particularly from the 17th century onward. Many Fulani groups became fervent Muslims and spread Islamic practices in the areas they settled. - **The Fulani Jihad States**: During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Fulani became key players in the spread of Islam through the establishment of powerful Islamic states. The most famous of these was the **Sokoto Caliphate**, which