Ibn Zamrak facts for kids
Ibn Zamrak (born 1333 – died 1393) was a famous Arab poet and important government official from Granada, a city in Al-Andalus (which is now part of Spain). His full name was Abu Abduallah Muhammad ibn Yusuf ibn Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Yusuf al-Surayhi. You can still see some of his beautiful poems carved into the fountains and palaces of the amazing Alhambra in Granada today.
Ibn Zamrak came from a modest family, but he was very talented. His teacher, Ibn al-Khatib, helped him get a job at the royal court of the Nasrid rulers. He traveled with Sultan Mohammed V to Morocco. When Sultan Mohammed V returned to rule Granada in 1361, Ibn Zamrak became his personal secretary and a special poet for the court.
A Life in Politics
Ibn Zamrak's career continued to grow. In 1371, he became a very important official called a "vizier," which is like a chief minister or a top advisor to the ruler. He took over this role after his former teacher, Ibn al-Khatib, was removed from the position. Sadly, Ibn al-Khatib later died while he was imprisoned.
Later in his life, Ibn Zamrak himself faced difficulties. He was put in prison by Sultan Yusuf II and stayed there for almost two years. In 1393, while he was at home reading, he died under the orders of Sultan Muhammad VII.
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