Abu Yaqub Yusuf facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Abu Yaqub Yusuf |
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| Amir al-Mu'minin; prev. amir al-muslimin (1163-1168) | |||||
Coin minted during the reign of Abu Yaqub Yusuf
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| Ruler of the Almohad Caliphate | |||||
| Reign | 1163–1184 | ||||
| Predecessor | Abd al-Mu'min ibn Ali | ||||
| Successor | Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur | ||||
| Born | 1135 Tinmel |
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| Died | 1184 (aged 48–49) near Évora |
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| Burial | Tinmel | ||||
| Issue | Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur Zaynab bent Youssef |
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| Dynasty | Almohad | ||||
| Father | Abd al-Mu'min ibn Ali | ||||
| Mother | Safiyya bint Abi Imran | ||||
| Religion | Islam | ||||
Abu Yaqub Yusuf (born 1135, died October 14, 1184) was a very important ruler. He was the second leader, or Amir, of the Almohad Caliphate. This was a powerful empire in North Africa and parts of Spain. He ruled from 1163 to 1184 from the city of Marrakesh.
Abu Yaqub Yusuf was known for building many impressive structures. One of his most famous projects was the Giralda tower in Seville, Spain. This tower was part of a large new mosque. He was also very interested in learning and supported many smart thinkers. He was a special supporter of the famous philosopher Averroes.
Contents
Life of Abu Yaqub Yusuf
Early Life and Family
Abu Yaqub Yusuf was born in 1135. His father was Abd al-Mu'min, who was the first leader of the Almohad dynasty. His mother was Safiyya bint Abi Imran. She came from a place called Tinmel. Her father was Abu Imran Musa ibn Sulayman al-Kafif. He was a close friend of Ibn Tumart, who started the Almohad movement.
A Ruler Who Loved Learning
Yusuf was a very religious and educated ruler. He knew a lot about Islam. He was said to have memorized important religious texts by heart. He also liked a certain way of understanding Islamic law, called the Zahirite school.
He was a great supporter of scholars and thinkers. Important people like Ibn Rushd (also known as Averroes) and Ibn Tufayl were often guests at his court. He encouraged them to share their knowledge and ideas. Yusuf even chose a very smart judge named Ibn Maḍāʾ to be his chief judge. Together, they worked to promote the Zahirite way of thinking.
Building and Battling
In 1170, Abu Yaqub Yusuf led his armies into Iberia. This is the area that includes modern-day Spain and Portugal. He conquered parts of al-Andalus and fought in places like Valencia and Catalonia.
The next year, he made the city of Seville his main base in Spain. He ordered the construction of many grand buildings there. These included the beautiful Alcazar palace. He also built the Buhaira palace and the strong fortress of Alcalá de Guadaíra. These buildings showed the power and wealth of the Almohad empire.
His Final Battle
Abu Yaqub Yusuf was wounded during a battle in 1184. This battle was the Siege of Santarém (1184). He was on his way back to Seville when he died from his injuries. This happened near a place called Évora. His body was then sent from Seville to Tinmel, where he was buried.
See also
In Spanish: Abu Yaacub Yúsuf para niños
