Aghlabids
Tunisia, 800 CE–909 CE. Draft, not yet reviewed
The Aghlabid dynasty was an Arab dynasty that ruled Ifriqiya from 800 to 909, nominally as vassals of the Abbasid Caliphate. During this time, they also conquered Sicily, Malta, parts of southern Italy, and possibly Sardinia. The Aghlabids sponsored the construction of mosques and civic infrastructure, major examples of which have survived to the present day as some of the oldest Islamic-era monuments in the region. Their rule ended when they were conquered by the new power of the Fatimids in 909.
Seat of power: Kairouan
Rulers
Ibrahim Aghlab
Emir of Ifriqiya, 800 CE–812 CE
On 9 July 800 Caliph Harun al-Rashid recognized him as emir of Ifriqiya, and bestowed virtually complete independence in exchange for an annual payment of 40,000 gold dinars to the Abbasid treasury. The Encyclopaedia of Islam describes Ibrahim as energetic and wise, prudent and shrewd, a brave fighter as well as skilful diplomat.
Portrait of Ibrahim Aghlab: DrFO.Jr.Tn, Public domain, file
Abu al-Abbas Abdallah ibn Ibrahim
Emir of Ifriqiya, 812 CE–817 CE
He was known for his arbitrary rule, as he introduced a tax on crops in cash, instead of the usual tithe in kind. This tax was contrary to Quranic precedent and aroused much opposition.
Ziyadat Allah I of Ifriqiya
Emir of Ifriqiya, 817 CE–838 CE
His reign marked a shift towards greater control and stability for the emirs in Ifriqiya. A jund revolt broke out in 824, and he employed the Berbers to defeat the rebelling jund.
Portrait of Ziyadat Allah I of Ifriqiya: DrFO.Jr.Tn, Public domain, file
Abu Iqal al-Aghlab ibn Ibrahim
Emir of Ifriqiya, 838 CE–841 CE
He was renowned for his erudition and intelligence, and his capable administration.
Muhammad I Abu 'l-Abbas
Emir of Ifriqiya, 841 CE–856 CE
Under his reign, the Aghlabids continued their expansion into the Mediterranean, conquering Messina, Taranto, large parts of Apulia and supporting Emir Kalfün with the establishment of an Islamic Bari. He also led the raid of Rome.
Abu Ibrahim Ahmad
Emir of Ifriqiya, 856 CE–864 CE
His reign was peaceful, and mostly remembered for his public works.
Muhammad II of Ifriqiya
Emir of Ifriqiya, 864 CE–875 CE
He inherited from his predecessors a stable and prosperous state. His reign saw the conquest of Malta, the siege of Salerno and continuous raids into mainland Italy, forcing Pope John VIII to pay tribute.
Portrait of Muhammad II of Ifriqiya: DrFO.Tn, CC BY-SA 4.0, file
Ziyàdat-Al·lah ibn Muhàmmad
Emir of Ifriqiya, 864 CE–864 CE
He was the seventh Aghlabid emir of Ifriqiya, ruling from 28 December 863 to his death on 23 December 864.
Ibn al-Aghlab
Emir of Ifriqiya, 875 CE–902 CE
He improved public works, such as building a vast reservoir, erecting walls as well as the development of mosques and his Raqqada palace. Despite having a fierce reputation as an oppressor, he was an efficient and fair ruler, treating reports of mistreatment of a commoner by a noble as lèse-majesté.
Portrait of Ibn al-Aghlab: DrFO.Jr.Tn, Public domain, file
Ziyadat Allah III of Ifriqiya
Emir of Ifriqiya, 903 CE–909 CE
He came to power after the murder of his father Abdallah II on 27 July 903. He immediately had all his brothers and uncles executed to eliminate any possible rivals.
Portrait of Ziyadat Allah III of Ifriqiya: DrFO.Jr.Tn, Public domain, file
Culture
- Border defenses such as ribats were set up, including in coastal cities like Sousse and Monastir.
- The Aghlabids also built up the irrigation of the area and enhanced the public buildings and mosques of Ifriqiya.
- The Aghlabids adhered to the Mu'tazilite rationalist doctrine within Hanafi Sunni Islam, which they imposed as the state doctrine of Ifriqiya.
Picture
Extensive works under the Aghlabids in the 9th century gave the Great Mosque of Kairouan its present aspect.
Image: MAREK SZAREJKO from CLONMEL, IRELAND - POLAND, CC BY-SA 2.0, file
Sources
Text adapted from the Wikipedia articles listed as sources, CC BY-SA 4.0.