The Almoravid Dynasty: A Look at Their Impact on Spain

The Almoravid dynasty, which ruled over Morocco, parts of Spain, and parts of Algeria and Mauritania, was founded in 1040 CE and had a lasting influence on the history of Spain. This dynasty was the first Berber Muslim dynasty in Spain, and their arrival marked the end of the Christian Reconquista of the Iberian Peninsula.

The Almoravid dynasty was founded by Abdullah ibn Yasin, a preacher from the Sanhaja Berber tribe who was determined to spread Islam in the region. Ibn Yasin gained a following and established a number of towns and fortresses in the present-day country of Morocco. He also formed an army, which he used to conquer more lands and expand the Almoravid dynasty.

When the Almoravid dynasty arrived in Spain, they encountered well-established Christian cities, such as Toledo, Valencia, and Zaragoza. In 1085 CE, the Almoravid forces captured the city of Toledo, which was the capital of the Reconquista. From here, they proceeded to capture the other major cities of the region. They also spread Islam by building mosques in the cities they captured.

The Almoravid rule in Spain was harsh but effective. They imposed strict laws and punishments, such as those for apostasy, conversion to other religions, and alcohol consumption. They also imposed taxes on non-Muslims and restricted their freedoms. Despite this, the Almoravids were able to maintain a strong hold on the region due to their military strength and efficient administration.

The Almoravids were also able to culturally influence the region. They introduced new forms of art, architecture, and literature to the region, as well as introducing a number of Islamic customs, such as the covering of women's faces and the prohibition of alcohol. The Almoravids also had a major impact on the language of the region, introducing a pidgin dialect of Arabic, known as Al-Andalusi.

The Almoravid dynasty in Spain came to an end in 1147 CE, when the Almohad dynasty, another Berber Muslim dynasty, came to power.
The rule of the dynasty was relatively short-lived. The Almoravids fell—at the height of their power—when they failed to stop the Masmuda-led rebellion initiated by Ibn Tumart. As a result, their last king Ishaq ibn Ali was killed in Marrakesh in April 1147 by the Almohad Caliphate, which replaced them as a ruling dynasty both in the Maghreb and Al-Andalus.

Although the Almoravids no longer rule in Spain, their legacy can still be seen today in the form of the numerous monuments, buildings, and works of art that they produced



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Last Modified on February 1st, 2024
Created on February 18th, 2022
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