Zirid dynasty: Map & History
The Zirid dynasty, also known as the Banu Ziri, was a Sanhaja Berber dynasty from what is now Algeria which ruled the central Maghreb from 972 to 1014 and Ifriqiya from 972 to 1148.
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The Zirid dynasty, also known as the Banu Ziri, was a Sanhaja Berber dynasty from what is now Algeria which ruled the central Maghreb from 972 to 1014 and Ifriqiya from 972 to 1148.
Modern Countries Once Part of Zirid dynasty
At its mapped extent, Zirid dynasty covered territory in 1 present-day country. 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 Zirid dynasty'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.
Zirid dynasty in Depth
History
The Zirids were Sanhaja Berbers, from the sedentary Talkata tribe, originating from the area of modern Algeria. In the 10th century this tribe served as vassals of the Fatimid Caliphate, an Isma'ili Shi'a state that challenged the authority of the Sunni Abbasid caliphs. The progenitor of the Zirid dynasty, Ziri ibn Manad (r. 935–971) was installed as governor of the central Maghreb (roughly north-eastern Algeria today) on behalf of the Fatimids, guarding the western frontier of the Fatimid Caliphate.
With Fatimid support Ziri founded his own capital and palace at 'Ashir, south-east of Algiers, in 936. He proved his worth as a key ally in 945 during the Kharijite rebellion of Abu Yazid, when he helped break Abu Yazid's siege of the Fatimid capital, Mahdia.
Economy
The Zirid period was a time of great economic prosperity. The departure of the Fatimids to Cairo, far from ending this prosperity, saw its amplification under the Zirid and Hammadid rulers. Referring to the government of the Zirid emir al-Mu'izz ibn Badis, the historian Ibn Khaldun reports: "It [has] never [been] seen by the Berbers of that country a kingdom more vast and more flourishing than his own." The northern regions produced wheat in large quantities, while the region of Sfax was a major hub of olive production and the cultivation of the date was an important part of the local economy in Biskra. Other crops such as sugar cane, saffron, cotton, sorghum, millet and chickpea were grown. The breeding of horses and sheep flourished and fishing provided plentiful food.
Culture
Abd al-Aziz ibn Shaddad was a Zirid chronicler and prince. He wrote Kitab al-Jam' wa 'l-bayan fi akhbar al-Qayrawan (كتاب الجمع والبيان في أخبار القيروان) about the history of Qayrawan. Al-Mu'izz ibn Badis, the Zirid ruler, was also himself an author and wrote an important treatise on the arts of the book, covering subjects such as calligraphy, bookbinding, and illumination.
The Zirid dynasty was responsible for various constructions and renovations throughout the Maghreb. Zirid and Hammadid architecture in North Africa was closely linked to Fatimid architecture, but also influenced Norman architecture in Sicily.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Zirid dynasty (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Zirid dynasty: Key Facts
| Capitals | Achir, Kairouan, Mahdia |
|---|---|
| Religion | Sunni Islam |
| Form of government | monarchy |
| Founded | 972 CE |
| Dissolved | 1148 |
Preceded by
Facts from Wikidata Q205718 (CC0).
Zirid dynasty Map Over Time
Dated world maps on which Zirid dynasty appears, with the other states of the time.
Zirid dynasty Timeline
Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion
Expansion to peak recorded area of 113,557 km² in 1060 CE.
Zirid dynasty: Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Zirid dynasty exist?
The Zirid dynasty is dated to 1056 CE – 1151 CE, in the High & Late Middle Ages era.
What was the capital of the Zirid dynasty?
The capital of the Zirid dynasty was 'Ashir, (936–1014), al-Mansuriyya, (972–1057), Mahdia, (1057–1148).
How large was the Zirid dynasty at its peak?
At its peak in 1060 AD the Zirid dynasty covered about 113,557 km².
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