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The Beginnings of Modern Morocco: Makers of the Muslim World

Junichiro Tanizaki

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Published in Ahmad Al Mansur: The Beginnings Of Modern Morocco (Makers Of The Muslim World)

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The history of Morocco is a long and rich one, dating back to the 11th century when the Almoravid dynasty emerged as the first unified state in the region. This dynasty was followed by the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century, which expanded the Moroccan Empire across North Africa and into the Iberian Peninsula. The Marinid dynasty, which ruled from the 13th to the 15th centuries, saw the rise of the city of Fez as a major center of Islamic learning and culture. The Wattasid dynasty, which ruled from the 15th to the 16th centuries, was a period of political instability, but also saw the growth of trade and commerce. The Saadi dynasty, which ruled from the 16th to the 17th centuries, was a period of great prosperity and saw the construction of many of Morocco's most famous landmarks, including the Bahia Palace in Marrakech. The Alaouite dynasty, which has ruled Morocco since the 17th century, has overseen the country's modernization and its emergence as a major player in the world.

Ahmad al-Mansur: The Beginnings of Modern Morocco (Makers of the Muslim World)

by Mercedes Garcia-Arenal

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Language	:	English
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The Almoravid Dynasty

The Almoravid dynasty was founded by Abu Bakr ibn Umar in 1056. The Almoravids were a Berber tribe from the Sahara Desert who migrated to Morocco in the 11th century. They quickly conquered the region and established a vast empire that stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The Almoravids were known for their religious zeal and their strict adherence to Islamic law. They built many mosques and libraries and promoted the study of Islam. The Almoravid dynasty reached its peak under Yusuf ibn Tashfin, who ruled from 1061 to 1106. Yusuf ibn Tashfin expanded the Moroccan Empire across North Africa and into the Iberian Peninsula. He also founded the city of Marrakech, which became the capital of the Almoravid Empire.

The Almohad Dynasty

The Almohad dynasty was founded by Ibn Tumart in 1121. The Almohads were a Berber tribe from the Atlas Mountains who migrated to Morocco in the 12th century. They quickly conquered the region and established a vast empire that stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The Almohads were known for their religious zeal and their strict adherence to Islamic law. They built many mosques and libraries and promoted the study of Islam. The Almohad dynasty reached its peak under Yaqub al-Mansur, who ruled from 1184 to 1199. Yaqub al-Mansur expanded the Moroccan Empire across North Africa and into the Iberian Peninsula. He also founded the city of Rabat, which became the capital of the Almohad Empire.

The Marinid Dynasty

The Marinid dynasty was founded by Abu Yahya ibn Abd al-Haqq in 1244. The Marinids were a Berber tribe from the Rif Mountains who migrated to Morocco in the 13th century. They quickly conquered the region and established a vast empire that stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The Marinids were known for their military prowess and their patronage of the arts. They built many mosques and libraries and promoted the study of Islam. The Marinid dynasty reached its peak under Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Othman, who ruled from 1331 to 1351. Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Othman expanded the Moroccan Empire across North Africa and into the Iberian Peninsula. He also founded the city of Tlemcen, which became the capital of the Marinid Empire.

The Wattasid Dynasty

The Wattasid dynasty was founded by Muhammad al-Shaykh in 1472. The Wattasids were a Berber tribe from the Middle Atlas Mountains who migrated to Morocco in the 15th century. They quickly conquered the region and established a vast empire that stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The Wattasids were known for their political instability and their lack of support for the arts. They built few mosques and libraries and did not promote the study of Islam. The Wattasid dynasty reached its peak under Muhammad al-Shaykh, who ruled from 1472 to 1505. Muhammad al-Shaykh expanded the Moroccan Empire across North Africa and into the Iberian Peninsula. He also founded the city of Fez, which became the capital of the Wattasid Empire.

The Saadi Dynasty

The Saadi dynasty was founded by Muhammad al-Mahdi in 1549. The Saadis were a Berber tribe from the High Atlas Mountains who migrated to Morocco in the 16th century. They quickly conquered the region and established a vast empire that stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The Saadis were known for their military prowess and their patronage of the arts. They built many mosques and libraries and promoted the study of Islam. The Saadi dynasty reached its peak under Ahmad al-Mansur, who ruled from 1578 to 1603. Ahmad al-Mansur expanded the Moroccan Empire across North Africa and into the Iberian Peninsula. He also founded the city of Marrakech, which became the capital of the Saadi Empire.