Saqaliba facts for kids
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Saqaliba (pronounced sah-KAH-lee-bah) was a word used in old Arabic writings. It referred to Slavs and other people from Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe. The word comes from a Greek term for Slavs. In some Arabic areas, it first meant Slavic slaves. Later, it became a general term for any foreign slaves. While often meaning Slavic slaves, it could also include other Europeans traded by Arab merchants.
People from Europe were traded into the Arab world through several main paths. East Slavs came through Central Asia, often involving groups like the Khazars. South Slavs traveled through the Balkans. People from Central and Western Europe went to places like al-Andalus (parts of Spain and Portugal). The Volga trade route in Eastern Europe was a major path. Jewish merchants called Radanites often managed these trade routes.
In the Arab world, Saqaliba had many different roles. They worked as servants and craftsmen. Many also became soldiers or guards for rulers. In places like Spain, Morocco, and Sicily, their role as soldiers was similar to that of the mamluks in the Ottoman Empire. In al-Andalus, some Saqaliba were very popular and became well-known.
Some Saqaliba even became rulers of small kingdoms called taifas in Spain. This happened after the main Arab rule in Spain, the Caliphate of Cordoba, broke apart in 1031. For example, a Saqaliba leader named Mujāhid al-ʿĀmirī led a rebellion in a city called Dénia. He took control and started the Taifa of Dénia. This kingdom even reached the island of Majorca.
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Saqaliba Rulers
Some Saqaliba who were once slaves rose to become powerful rulers. They established their own dynasties, which are ruling families. These rulers controlled different taifas (small kingdoms) in medieval Spain.
Rulers in Valencia
In the city of Valencia, some Saqaliba leaders took power.
- Muhārak and Muẓaffar ruled from 1010 or 1011 to 1017 or 1018.
- Later, ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz ibn ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ruled for a long time, from 1020 or 1021 to 1060.
- His son, ʿAbd al-Malik, ruled from 1060 to 1065.
- Another brother, Abū Bakr, ruled from 1075 to 1085.
Rulers in Dénia
The city of Dénia also had Saqaliba rulers.
- Mujāhid ibn ʿAbd Allāh al-ʿĀmiri al-Muwaffaq was a key leader. He ruled from about 1012 to 1045.
- His son, ʿAlī ibn Mujāhid, ruled from 1045 to 1076.
Rulers in Tortosa
In Tortosa, several Saqaliba leaders held power.
- Labib al-Fata al-Saqlabi ruled from about 1009 to before 1039 or 1040.
- Muqatil Sayf al-Milla ruled after him, until 1053 or 1054.
- Then came Ya'la (1053/4–1057/8) and Nabil (1057/8–1060).
Rulers in Almeria
Almeria also saw Saqaliba rulers.
- Aflah ruled in 1012.
- Khayran, a former Slavic slave, became ruler in 1014. He worked hard to develop Almería.
- Zuhayr, another former Slavic slave, ruled from 1028.
- From 1038 to 1041, Almería was part of the Taifa of Valencia.
How the Term Was Used
Historians and travelers from the past used the term Saqaliba in different ways.
- A geographer named Ibn Khordadbeh (who lived from 840 to 880) said that the ruler of the Bulgars was called "King of the Saqāliba." This meant the ruler had many potential slaves.
- A traveler named Ahmad ibn Fadlan (around 921-922) also called the ruler of Volga Bulgaria the "King of the Saqaliba."
- A wise scholar named Abu Zayd al-Balkhi (850–934) described three main areas where the Saqaliba lived: Kuyaba, Slawiya, and Artania.
- Another traveler, Ibrahim ibn Yaqub (around 961-962), wrote about the Saqāliba living in a mountainous land west of Bulgaria. He described them as strong and brave. People believe these were in the Western Balkans.
See also
In Spanish: Saqaliba para niños
