Taifa of Málaga facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Taifa of Málaga
1026–1239
Taifa Kingdom of Málaga, c. 1037.
Capital	Málaga
Common languages	Arabic, Berber, Mozarabic, Hebrew
Religion	Islam, Roman Catholicism, Judaism
Government	Monarchy
Historical era	Middle Ages
• Downfall of Caliphate of Córdoba	1026
• To Granada	1057–1073
• To the Almoravids	1090–1145
• To the Almohads	1153–1229
• Conquered by Granada	1239
Currency	Dirham and Dinar
Preceded by Succeeded by Caliphate of Cordoba Almoravid Empire Almohad Caliphate Emirate of Granada

The Taifa of Málaga (Arabic: طائفة مالقة) was an Islamic Moorish kingdom in what is now southern Spain. A taifa was a small, independent Muslim state. This kingdom existed during four different periods: from 1026 to 1057, 1073 to 1090, 1145 to 1153, and 1229 to 1239. It was finally taken over by the Emirate of Granada.

History of the Taifa of Málaga

The First Taifa Period

The Taifa of Málaga started in 1026. A leader named Yahya I al-Mu'tali had been asked to become the caliph (ruler) of Córdoba. But he was later forced to leave Córdoba. He returned to his strong city of Málaga.

Yahya then brought the areas of Málaga and Algeciras under his control. He had help from the Zirids of Granada. After this, he declared Málaga an independent taifa kingdom. He also took back the title of caliph, which then only belonged to the rulers of Málaga.

Yahya ruled until he died in 1035. During his time, he often fought with the kings of the Taifa of Seville. Yahya managed to conquer the Taifa of Carmona, which was important for its location. However, Seville soon took it back.

After Yahya's death in 1035, his kingdom split into two parts. Málaga was ruled by his brother, Idris I al-Muta'ayyad. Taifa of Algeciras was ruled by his nephew, Muhammad ben al-Qasim. The fight against Seville continued. Málaga won a big victory in the 1039 Battle of Écija. They had help from the taifas of Almería, Granada, and Carmona.

Idris I was followed by Yahya II al-Qa'im, who ruled for only one year. He was removed in 1040 by his uncle Hasan al-Mustansir. Hasan was then overthrown in 1042.

Later in 1042, the Hammudid family took back the throne with Idris II al-Ali. He ruled until 1047. After him, several rulers came and went quickly. Finally, in 1057, the Taifa of Málaga was conquered by Badis ben Habus. He was the Zirid ruler of Granada.

After Badis died in 1073, his kingdom was divided. Málaga went to Tamim ben Buluggin ben Badis. In 1090, the Islamic Almoravid dynasty took over the taifa.

The Second Taifa Period

During a time known as the second taifa age, Málaga became independent again for eight years. This happened starting in 1145. A leader named Abu'l-Hakam al-Husayn from the Banu Hassun family took control. He used a popular uprising against the Almoravids to gain power.

The Third Taifa Period

In 1229, Málaga briefly became independent once more. This was during the third taifa period. A ruler named Ibn Zannun from the Banu Zanum family was in charge. His rule ended in 1238. This marked the final end of the Taifa of Málaga. It was then added to the Emirate of Granada.

Leaders of Málaga

Hammudid Dynasty

• Yahya I al-Mu'tali: 1026 or 1027–1035
• Idris I al-Muta'ayyad: 1035–1039
• Yahya II al-Qa'im: 1039–1040
• Hasan al-Mustansir: 1040–1042
• Naya the Usurper: 1042
• Idris II al-Ali: 1042–1047 (died 1054/5)
• Muhammad I ben al-Qasim: 1047–1053
• Idris III al Sami: 1053
• Idris II (returned to power): 1053–1054/5
• Muhammad II al-Musta'li: 1054/5
• Yahya III al-Mahdi: 1054/5–1057/8 (died 1064)
  • Became part of Taifa of Granada: 1057/8–1073

Zirid Dynasty

• Tamim: 1073–1090
  • Became part of the Almoravids: 1090–1145

Hassunid Dynasty

• Abu'l-Hakam al-Husayn: 1145–1153
  • Became part of the Almohads: 1153–1229

Zannunid Dynasty

• Ibn Zannun: 1229?–1239
  • Became part of Granada: 1239–1487

See also

In Spanish: Taifa de Málaga para niños

• Solomon ibn Gabirol, an 11th-century poet and Jewish thinker from Al-Andalus.
• List of Sunni Muslim dynasties