Ismail I of Granada facts for kids

Ismail I (born March 3, 1279, died July 8, 1325) was an important ruler of the Emirate of Granada. This was the last Muslim kingdom in Iberia. He was the fifth sultan from the Nasrid dynasty. Ismail I ruled from 1314 to 1325.

Historians remember him as a strong leader. He made Granada more powerful through military wins. He also added beautiful buildings to the Alhambra palace.

How Ismail Became Sultan

Ismail I was related to the ruling family in two ways. His mother, Fatima, was the daughter of Sultan Muhammad II. His father, Abu Said Faraj, was also part of the royal family.

Ismail's uncle, Sultan Nasr, was not very popular. Some people thought he was too friendly with the Christian kingdom of Castile. Others felt he was unfair.

Ismail's father, Abu Said, started a rebellion against Nasr. Ismail joined this fight. Their forces defeated Nasr, who was forced to leave the capital city, Granada.

In February 1314, Ismail was declared the new sultan in the Alhambra palace. Nasr was allowed to rule the city of Guadix as a governor.

Defending the Throne

Early Challenges

The first years of Ismail's rule were difficult. Nasr tried to get his throne back from Guadix. He asked Castile for help. Castile saw Nasr as their ally and agreed to help him.

Ismail prepared his army for a fight. He appointed Uthman ibn Abi al-Ula as a key military leader. Uthman was in charge of defending against Castile.

In 1315, Ismail tried to capture Guadix but failed. Castile sent supplies to Nasr. Ismail's forces, led by Uthman, stopped these supplies. This led to a battle in 1316. Castile won this battle, and Ismail had to retreat.

The Battle of the Vega

The war continued with short breaks. Castile and Aragon even got permission from the Pope for a crusade against Granada. This meant they could use church money to fight Ismail.

Ismail tried to get help from the Marinid Sultanate in Morocco. But he refused their condition to hand over his general, Uthman.

In May 1319, Castile invaded Granada again. Their army was led by two princes, Infante Peter and Infante John. They reached Granada in June.

On June 25, 1319, Ismail's army, led by Uthman, attacked the Castilians. This battle is known as the Battle of the Vega. It was a huge victory for Ismail.

Both Castilian princes, Peter and John, died during or shortly after the battle. This left Castile without leaders. They had to stop supporting Nasr.

Strengthening Granada

Peace and New Conquests

After the big victory, Castile was in chaos. Ismail made a peace agreement with a group of Castilian towns in 1320. This agreement officially ended Castile's support for Nasr.

Ismail also made a peace treaty with Aragon in 1321. Nasr died in 1322 without an heir. This meant Ismail's rule was now secure. He brought Guadix back under Granada's control.

Ismail then focused on taking back border castles from Castile. In 1324, he recaptured Baza. In 1324 or 1325, he also took Orce, Huéscar, and Galera.

First Use of Cannons

During one of these sieges, Ismail's army used cannons. This was the first time cannons were used in a siege in Spain. The cannons made a loud noise and fired iron balls. This new weapon helped Ismail's forces win.

Ismail's last military action was the siege of Martos in 1325. His troops captured the city. Some actions during the attack were seen as very harsh by Muslim writers.

How Ismail Ruled

Ismail I made sure that Islamic law was followed strictly. He made punishments for drinking alcohol much tougher. He also ordered Jewish people to wear a special mark. This was not common for Muslim rulers at the time. He also collected a tax called jizya from Jewish people, which brought in a lot of money.

Ismail had important advisors and ministers. His mother, Fatima, also helped him with political matters. She was known for her great qualities.

He appointed a chief judge, Yahya ibn Mas'ud ibn Ali. He also chose Abu Nu'aym Ridwan, a convert to Islam, to teach his son, Muhammad. Abu Nu'aym later became a very influential figure in the court.

Ismail's Family

Ismail I had several children. His favorite partner, 'Alwa, was the mother of his successor, Muhammad IV. She was also the mother of his son Faraj and two daughters, Fatima and Maryam.

Another partner, Bahar, had his son Yusuf I. Yusuf later became sultan after Muhammad IV. Ismail also had a youngest son, also named Ismail, with another partner, Qamar.

Death of Ismail I

Ismail I was murdered on July 8, 1325. He was killed by a relative named Muhammad ibn Ismail. Some sources say Muhammad was angry because Ismail had criticized him. Other stories suggest it was over a Christian woman captured at Martos.

The attackers were quickly caught and killed. Ismail was taken to his mother's palace, but he died from his wounds. His ten-year-old son, Muhammad, became the next sultan, Muhammad IV. The chief minister died about a month later from his injuries.

Ismail was buried in the royal cemetery at the Alhambra. Later, when Granada fell to the Christians, his body was moved to another location.

Ismail's Legacy

The family tree of the Sultans of Granada. The branch starting with Ismail I is known as al-dawla al-isma'iliyya al-nasriyya, "the Nasrid dynasty of Ismail".

Ismail I was a cultured and refined man. He added many new buildings to the Alhambra complex and the Generalife palace. He also built the Puertas de las Armas, a gate that later became part of the Comares Palace.

His use of cannons was a big step forward in warfare in Spain. Granada had this advantage for some time. Later, Castile also developed its own cannons.

Ismail I was followed by his son, Muhammad IV. Another son, Yusuf I, became sultan after Muhammad IV. The line of sultans that started with Ismail is now called "the Nasrid dynasty of Ismail."

Historians agree that Ismail I was a very effective and strong ruler. They believe he could have achieved even more if he had not died so early.

See also

In Spanish: Ismaíl I de Granada para niños