Almoravids and Almohads: The dynasties that united the Maghreb
In the history of the Greater Maghreb, Amazigh dynasties such as the Almoravids and Almohads are considered one of the most important periods that shaped the region and contributed to the map of the medieval Islamic world. These dynasties were a great source of religious, political and military reforms that inspired future generations.
Almoravids: The leaders who built a great empire
"Glory is not given, it is earned." - Yusuf bin Tashfin
At the beginning of the 11th century, Abdullah ibn Yassin founded the Almoravid movement, where he called for Islamic unity and fought sedition among the Amazigh tribes. In 1056, he established the movement's first stronghold in the Sahararegion of Moroccoand sought to unite the Zenata and Sunnahja tribes on the basis of Islamic doctrine. Their main goal was to unify North Africa and protect Sunni Islam.
In 1062, Yusuf ibn Tashfin, one of the movement's prominent leaders, decided to move from defense to offense after seeing the challenges facing Andalusia due to Christian attacks. Under his leadership, the Almoravids succeeded in rapidly expanding their territory. This expansion was decisive in the Battle of Zallaqa in 1086, where the Almoravid army was able to defeat the forces of King Alfonso VI ofCastile, enabling the Almoravids to maintain an Islamic presence in Andalusia.
Unitarians: Renewal of Thought and Religious Reform
"Reform is not just a slogan, it is an action that must continue." - Al-Mahdi ibn Toumert
In the 12th century, the Almohad movement emerged under the leadership of al-Mahdi ibn Tumurt, who based his idea on a return to the original principles of Islam and the elimination of the deviations that had spread under the Almoravid rule. Al-Mahdi sought to unite the tribes of Morocco around a strict Islamic doctrine, leading to the establishment of a new state known as the Almohads, which called for a comprehensive reform in governance and doctrine.
Abd al-Mumin ibn Ali was able to expand the borders of the Almohad state after the death of al-Mahdi ibn Tumurt, conquering Marrakesh in 1147 and expelling the Almoravids. Abd al-Mumin continued his campaigns of expansion in North Africa, annexing areas of Algeria and Tunisia, and then crossed into Andalusia, where they continued to resist Christian attacks until the beginning of the 13th century.
The legacy of Amazigh dynasties: The Power of Unity and Reform
Through these major movements, the Greater Maghreb became a civilizational center teeming with science and art. During the Almoravid era, Marrakesh was a major center of science and commerce, and during the Almohad era, many educational and intellectual institutions were established that influenced the Islamic world.
The Almoravids and Almohads were examples of adaptability to political and religious challenges, while maintaining a balance between conquest and internal development. Despite the challenges these empires eventually faced, their legacy is still present in the history of the Maghreb.
Ultimately, these Amazigh dynasties, with their reforms and conquests, contributed greatly to building our Islamic identity and Moroccan civilization that we are proud of even today.
