ZIRID

Ziri ibn Manad was a Sanhājah Amazigh [i] who rose to power in service of the Fatimid Caliphs. Eventually, he established the family seat that would become the functional governor in 972. His son, Buluggin I, took control and expanded Zirid territory [ii]. In 1015, the region was split, the western portion went to Buluggin’s son Hammad [iii], while his other son retained control of Zirid. Nevertheless, internal issues persisted, and Zirid declared themselves independent [iv] of the Fatimid Caliphate. In retaliation, the Fatimids encouraged Bedouin nomads to retake territory. The Zirids retreated from Kairouan to Mahdia [v] on the coast, where they suffered naval attacks.

The Zirids were originally allies of the Fatimids [vi], and under Buluggīn expanded its boundaries, angering other local tribes, specifically the Zanātah tribesmen [vii]. More notably, towards the end, Zirid territory was overrun and controlled by the Hilālīs [viii]. This pushed the Zirids towards the sea [ix], where they refocused on maritime trade and relations. At first, the Kalbid Emirs of Sicily were close allies and traded extensively with Zirid. Overtime relations turned due to increasing Zirid military expansion. The Zirids often were in conflict with the Genoese, Pisan, Almoravids, Venetian, Norman, and Sardinian fleets [x]. This culminated with the Normans and Almoravid [xi] attacking coastal cities.

The Zirids are remembered as one of the powerful Amazigh kingdoms. Markedly, their transition to Sunni Islam [xii] changed the demographics of the region. They were one of the first states to separate from the Fatimids. This encouraged other states, including the Hammadids [xiii], to follow a similar suit. Ultimately, Zirid’s influence on allies remained past their demise. Moreover, their political economy’s success revitalized the area [xiv]. This is best seen in much of the remaining architecture, including Mosques and schools, the Palace [xv] is the most famous example. In addition to architecture, the Zirids were known for their artwork, especially the illustrated Quranic manuscripts [xvi].

The Zirids originated as a caliphate of the Fatimids who trace their ancestry to the Prophet’s daughter Fatima and her husband Ali b. Abi Talib. Due to this, the Zirid Dynasty followed the same ruling system [xvii]. State offices were traditionally filled based on meritocracy, although the governorship was ancestral and was passed down seven subsequent times after Buluggin I [xviii]. Notably, most of the Hammadid hereditary line was also started by Buluggin I and was established after familial disagreements. Additionally, the military system was based on that of Amazigh tribesmen, which later helped develop Zirid independence and systematically take over [xix] neighboring tribes.

The Zirid Dynasty originated in central Maghrib with the capital in al-Ḳayrawān in 972 by Buluggīn I [xx], who was named governor of the region by the Fatimids as they moved their capital to Egypt. After receiving Governorship, Buluggin attempted to assert control over Morocco [xxi], but the effort failed. Ultimately, they expanded from Sabtah on the Strait of Gibraltar to Granada in Spain [xxii], Nevertheless, after denouncing the Fatimids, the Banū Hilāl and Banū Sulaym Bedouins invaded, ruining the economy and causing many to return to nomadism. The Sicilian Normans began attacking, the capital fell in 1148 [xxiii], with the Zirid Dynasty following.

In 1013, the Zirids founded the Albaicín District [xxiv] in Granada, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site [xxv]. This exemplifies the immense beauty of Zirid architecture and style. One such building is the Palace at the Alhambra, identifiable as Zirid thanks to the intricate decorative work. The most significant example of Zirid woodwork is the magnificent maqsura [xxvi], or enclosure for the ruler. This is heavily carved with arabesques and supporting pillars of turned spindles and spools. It is crowned with a Kufic inscription, outlined by a distinctively Zirid bead. In general, arts and literature flourished [xxvii] in Zirid society, which remains today.

The Zirid Dynasty experienced great economic prosperity. There were large agricultural yields [xxviii], especially wheat, which enabled population growth. Olives, dates, sugar cane, and more were also grown in significant quantities. This was a time of domestication as many settled in one location, bred horses and sheep, and farmed. Additionally, access to the Mediterranean allowed the Zirids to participate in maritime trade [xxix], most notably the import of timber for construction. Nevertheless, blockages and internal conflicts decreased trade and weakened the Zirids, leading to an economic decline [xxx], especially in the countryside and amongst peasants. Ultimately, isolation affected the economy, contributing to their downfall.