The Male Revolt , which took place in Salvador, Province of Bahia, on the night of January 24, 1835, during the Brazilian Empire, more precisely during the Regency Period (1831 to 1840), represented a rapid rebellion organized by slaves of Islamic origin (mainly from the Hausa ethnic groups). and Nagô), which mainly sought religious freedom, however it was repressed by imperial troops.
To learn more:Brazil Empire and Slavery in Brazil
Historical Context
In the mid-19th century, many revolts took place in the country (Cabanagem, Sabinada, Balaiada, Farroupilha, Conjuração Baiana or Revolta dos Alfaiates), due to the discontent of a large part of the population, where the slaves involved sought an end to forced labor, , torture, physical and psychological violence, terrible living conditions, sexual abuse, and, consequently, aimed at the end of slavery in the country (granted by the Lei Áurea, in 1889).
In this way, the dissatisfaction of the slaves spread throughout Bahia, both because of the political and economic system (based on slave labor) that reigned in the country, and for religious freedom, since they were obliged to participate in Catholic services.
Unsurprisingly, the Malê revolt represented the mobilization of about 1,500 African slaves, who fought for the liberation of blacks of Islamic origin, that is, Muslim slaves. Thus, contradicted by the imposition of the Catholic religion, the “Male” (Yoruba language “imale ”, which means "Muslim") came together with the aim of defending and maintaining the religious heritage, such as their beliefs, cults, customs, etc.
Thus, led by Pacific Licutan , Manuel Calafate and Luis Sanim , the Malês Revolt took place in the center of Salvador, initiated by the Malês' attack on the Army, which intended to free the slaves from the mills and seize power.
However, during the night of the 24th to the 25th of January, the Malês, who were denounced, participated in an ambush, prepared by the police, which left many dead, injured and arrested. About 200 slaves were arrested and tried, and the result was:death penalty for the main leaders of the movement; shootings, floggings and forced labor for the rest.
During the uprising, slaves devoted to the Islamic religion took to the streets wearing Islamic clothes and amulets containing passages from the Quran, which they believed were protected against attacks by opponents. One of the determining factors for the failure of the revolt were the weapons used by the slaves, such as swords, spears, knives, clubs, among other sharp objects, while the police were armed with firearms.
It is worth noting that the Malês, warriors, bold and educated men, had as their main objectives to free slaves of Islamic origin, to exterminate the Catholic religion and to establish an Islamic republic, so they tried to take power, but were crushed by the forces of the empire.
However, they organized themselves to worship Allah, read the Qur'an, teach the Arabic language, all of which were always very hidden, since they were repressed and forced to accept the Catholic God. Furthermore, many of them could read and write, a rare quality at that time, when only whites had access to knowledge.
Although it was quickly repressed, after the Malês Revolt, the fear of the Empire and of the slave-owning planters increased considerably, and some measures were taken, from the ban on practicing their non-Catholic religious cults, as well as walking on the streets. overnight.
To learn more:
- Bahia Conjuration
- Balayada
- Cabanage
- War of the Rags
- Independence of Haiti
- Regency Period
Curiosities
- The date on which the Malê Uprising took place was chosen by the leaders, so that it represented the most important period for Muslims called “Ramadan”, in which many prayers and fasting occur. Thus, the revolt took place exactly on the 25th of January, at the end of the month of fasting.
- Mala Abubaker, is the slave who wrote the attack plan for the Malê Revolt.
- During the Malês Revolt, in the city of Salvador alone, there were approximately 27,500 slaves, that is, about 42% of the population.
- In the Malês uprising, some slaves used capoeira fighting techniques.