Almoravids
The Almoravids, known in Arabic as "al-Murābiṭūn" or "those who have made a religious retreat," were a Berber dynasty that played a pivotal role in the Islamic history of North Africa and Spain during the 11th and 12th centuries. Here are key aspects of their history and influence:
Origins
- The movement began in the mid-11th century among the Sanhaja Berber tribes in the western Sahara, under the leadership of Abdullah ibn Yasin, a religious scholar who preached a strict form of Islam.
- The Almoravids' religious and military campaign was aimed at unifying and reforming the practices of Islam among the Berber tribes and extending their influence.
Expansion
- After consolidating power in the Sahara, the Almoravids moved north, capturing Sijilmasa and then expanding into the Maghreb (North Africa).
- By 1062, they had taken control of Morocco, establishing Marrakesh as their capital.
- In response to calls for help from the Taifa kings of Al-Andalus, who were threatened by the Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula, the Almoravids crossed the Strait of Gibraltar in 1086, defeating the Christian forces at the Battle of Zallaqa.
- They eventually overthrew the Taifa kings, unifying Muslim Spain under their rule.
Rule and Decline
- The Almoravid rule brought stability, religious uniformity, and a degree of centralization to both North Africa and Al-Andalus. They were known for their strict enforcement of Islamic law and for promoting religious scholarship.
- Their architectural contributions include the construction of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh, which influenced later Moroccan architecture.
- However, internal strife, the rise of the Almohads, and the continuous pressure from Christian kingdoms in Spain led to their decline.
- The Almoravids were defeated by the Almohads at the Battle of Ourika in 1140, and by 1147, Marrakesh fell to the Almohads, effectively ending Almoravid rule.
Legacy
- The Almoravids left a lasting impact on the political, religious, and architectural landscape of North Africa and Spain. Their efforts to unify and reform Islam among Berber tribes had long-lasting effects on the region's religious identity.
- They facilitated trade across the Sahara, linking West Africa with the Mediterranean world, which played a significant role in the spread of Islam and the development of trans-Saharan trade routes.
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