Taifa of Almería facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Taifa Kingdom of Almería طائفة المرية Ṭa'ifa al-Mariyah
1010–1147
Taifa Kingdom of Almería, c. 1037.
Capital	Almería
Common languages	Arabic, Mozarabic, Hebrew
Religion	Islam, Christianity (Roman Catholicism), Judaism
Government	Monarchy
Historical era	Middle Ages
• Downfall of Caliphate of Cordoba	1010
• To Valencia	1038–1042
• To the Almoravid dynasty	1091–1140
• Annexed by Castile	1147
Currency	Dirham, Dinar
Preceded by Succeeded by Caliphate of Cordoba Almoravid Empire Kingdom of Castile

The Taifa of Almería (Arabic: طائفة المرية, Ta'ifa al-Mariyah) was a Muslim kingdom in the Middle Ages. It was located in what is now the province of Almería in Spain. This kingdom, called a taifa, started in 1012 and lasted until 1091.

During this time, the city of Almería became very important. It grew under strong local rulers known as emirs. Key emirs included Khayran, who was the first truly independent ruler of Almería. Another important emir was Abu Yahyà Muhammad ben Ma'n. Almería declared its independence from the Caliphate of Cordoba around 1012.

The kingdom was important because of its great location and its busy harbor. It also had a very strong textile industry. About five thousand looms were used to make cloth. Almería was also a major center for making silk. This led to a lot of trade with other parts of Europe. This trade continued until Muslims were expelled in the early 17th century.

Other kingdoms like Granada, Seville, and Valencia often tried to conquer Almería. But Almería stayed independent for a long time. It was only taken over by the Almoravid dynasty, except for a short time when Valencia ruled it. Later, the governor sent by the Valencian King, Ma'n, declared Almería independent again. Eventually, the kingdom became part of the Almoravid empire, just like other taifas.

History of Almería's Kingdom

Historians discuss the exact year Almería became independent. Some say it happened when the Slavic Governor Ibn Aflah took power. However, Cordoba still had influence during his rule. It is clear that Almería gained independence when Khayran returned. Khayran, a former governor, took the city by force.

Khayran's Rule and Growth

Ruins of the Alcazaba in Almeria.

Under Khayran's rule, Almería saw many improvements. He invested in the city's buildings and services. Khayran made the Alcazaba stronger and larger. The Alcazaba was the palace of Almería. He also helped expand the city's main mosque. Khayran's time as ruler was good for Almería's economy. The port of Almería became very important. It was used to export the fancy goods made in the city.

Challenges and Changes in Leadership

Zuhayr's plans for expansion did not go well. He joined with the Taifa of Granada against Seville. This allowed him to take control of Cordoba in 1035. This was the biggest Almería ever became. But Zuhayr angered his allies in Granada. He tried to take full control of their alliance. This caused his own soldiers to rebel. Zuhayr died in 1038 because of this revolt. After his death, Almería had no strong ruler. The Valencian Emir, Abd al-'Azīz, took over in 1038.

Al-Mutasim's Flourishing Reign

Almería grew strong again under the young ruler al-Mutasim. Even though the kingdom was smaller, it did very well. Its economy and culture thrived. Almería's port was key to its success. It was used to export goods from Almería. It also became the main port for all of Andalusia.

Al-Mutasim also made Almería a center for culture. He gathered many top Muslim poets at his court. He used money from the port to improve the city. He built public water fountains near the mosque. He also made the Alcazaba even bigger.

Rulers of Almería

Here is a list of the main rulers of the Taifa of Almería.

Slavic Rulers

These rulers were former slaves from the Caliph's palace in Cordoba.

• 1012 Ibn Aflah
• 1014 Khayran Al-‘Amiri: He was a Slavic slave. He focused on developing Almería during his rule.
• 1028 Zuhayr Al-‘Amiri: He was also a former Slavic slave from Cordoba.
• 1038 Abu Bakr al-Ramimi
• 1038 Abd al-Aziz al-Mansur: He was al-Mansur's grandson and King of Valencia.

From 1038 to 1041, Almería was part of the Taifa of Valencia.

Banu Sumadih Family

This family ruled Almería after the period of Valencian control.

• 1041 Ma'n ben Muhammad ben Sumadih (Tujibi)
• 1051 Abu Yahyà Muhammad ben Ma'n, known as al-Mutasim
• Regency period of Abu 'Utba from 1052 to 1054 or 1055 (a regency means someone ruled for the king because he was too young or unable)
• 1091 Ahmad ben Muhammad, Mu'izz al-Dawla (ruled only for a few months in 1091)

Symbols of Almería

The flag of the Taifa of Almería was very important. It is known as the first flag of Andalusia in history. It was also one of the first flags in Europe. This flag had two green stripes with a white stripe in the middle.

This flag was a early version of the green and white flag used by other kingdoms in southern Iberia. For example, the Kingdom of Granada used various green and white flags for different areas. It is said that when Granada was defeated, twenty flags were captured. Eighteen of these flags had green and white stripes.

The flag of the Taifa of Almería later became the flag for Castilian troops in Andalusia. In the 1800s, it was adopted by the Andalusian nationalist movement. This group wanted more self-rule for the region within Spain. This flag then became the official flag of Andalusia in the early 1980s.

A poet named Abu Asbag ibn Arqam wrote a poem about this flag. He worked for King al-Mu'tasim of Almería. This poem is thought to be the oldest written description of a flag in Europe:

The green flag spread over you the wing of bliss,
It made its wišāḥ of the white morning glow;
Its flutter makes it seem to be your foe's heart,
Whene'er the wind is striking it full;
It guarantees to you good luck in victory:
Watch the good omen which forebodes success!
(Note: wišāḥ is an ornamental belt)

See also

In Spanish: Taifa de Almería para niños

• History of Islam
• History of Spain
• List of Sunni Muslim dynasties