Idrisids: Map & History
The Idrisid dynasty or Idrisids were an Arab Muslim dynasty from 788 to 974, ruling most of present-day Morocco and parts of present-day western Algeria.
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The Idrisid dynasty or Idrisids were an Arab Muslim dynasty from 788 to 974, ruling most of present-day Morocco and parts of present-day western Algeria. Named after the founder, Idris I, the Idrisids were an Alid dynasty descended from Muhammad through his grandson Hasan. Their reign played an important role in the early Islamization of Morocco, and they also presided over an increase in Arab immigration and Arabization in major urban centers.
Modern Countries Once Part of Idrisids
At its mapped extent, Idrisids covered territory in 2 present-day countries. The period shown is when the mapped borders include that country, and the note says how much of it.
Largest Present-Day Cities in Its Territory
Each opens on the live map inside Idrisids's borders of that time.
Derived by testing mapped cities against this polity's dated territorial polygons, so the list is indicative and follows the borders in the source dataset.
Idrisids in Depth
History
By the second half of the 8th century the westernmost regions of the Maghreb, including present-day Morocco, had been effectively independent of the Umayyad Caliphate since the Kharijite-led Berber revolts that started in 739–40. The Abbasid Caliphate after 750 had no more success in re-establishing control over Morocco. The overthrow of eastern authority meant that Morocco was controlled by various local Berber tribes and principalities which emerged around this time, such as the Barghwata Confederacy on the Atlantic coast and the Midrarid Emirate in Sijilmasa.
The founder of the Idrisid dynasty was Idris ibn Abdallah (788–791), who traced his ancestry back to Ali ibn Abi Talib (died 661) and his wife Fatima, daughter of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad.
Legacy
Despite having fallen from power, the Idrisids spawned many sharifian families which continued to be present for centuries to come. Some Moroccans today still claim descent from them. In the 11th century, an Idrisid family descended from Umar (son of Idris II), the Hammudids, were able to gain power in several cities of northern Morocco and southern Spain.
In Fes and in the town of Moulay Idriss (near Volubilis), the tombs of Idris II and Idris I, respectively, eventually developed into important religious complexes and pilgrimage sites, like the Zawiya of Moulay Idris II. Several prominent sharifian families in Fez traced their lineages to Idris I, and some of these played a role in maintaining or rebuilding the Zawiya of Idris II in the city.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Idrisid dynasty (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Idrisids: Key Facts
| Capital | Volubilis |
|---|---|
| Founded | 788 CE |
| Dissolved | 974 CE |
Succeeded by
Facts from Wikidata Q431575 (CC0).
Idrisids Map Over Time
Dated world maps on which Idrisids appears, with the other states of the time.
Idrisids Timeline
Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion
Expansion to peak recorded area of 194,486 km² in 852 CE.
Idrisids: Frequently Asked Questions
When did Idrisids exist?
Idrisids is dated to 793 CE – 979 CE, in the Early Middle Ages era.
What was the capital of Idrisids?
The capital of Idrisids was Walilli (788–808), Fez (808–927), Hajar an-Nasar (927–985).
How large was Idrisids at its peak?
At its peak in 852 AD Idrisids covered about 194,486 km².
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