Taifa of Majorca facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Taifa of Majorca
1018–1203
Capital	Majorca
Common languages	Arabic, Mozarabic, Hebrew
Religion	Islam, Roman Catholicism, Judaism
Government	Monarchy
Historical era	Middle Ages
• Established	1018
• Conquered by the Almohads	1203
Currency	Dirham and Dinar
Preceded by Succeeded by Taifa of Denia Almoravid Empire Almohad dynasty
Today part of	Spain

The Taifa of Majorca was a medieval Islamic kingdom that existed on the island of Majorca from 1018 to 1203. A "taifa" (say: TIE-fah) was a small, independent Muslim kingdom in what is now Spain and Portugal. This kingdom was founded by a strong leader named Mujāhid al-ʿĀmirī, who was a Slavic warlord.

The first Taifa of Majorca lasted for about 50 years, from 1076 to 1116. It faced challenges from Christian forces and was later taken over by the Almoravids. After this, the Balearic Islands (where Majorca is located) became part of the Almoravid Empire. However, like the larger Caliphate of Córdoba, this empire eventually broke apart.

A new, independent kingdom, known as the second Taifa, emerged in 1147. This kingdom was ruled by the Banu Ghaniya family. It became the last place where the Almoravids held power in Al-Andalus (the Muslim-ruled parts of the Iberian Peninsula) as the Almohads advanced.

History of Majorca's Taifa Kingdoms

The island of Majorca saw two main periods when it was an independent "taifa" kingdom. These periods were marked by different ruling families and major changes in power.

The First Taifa: Mujahid and Aglabid Rule

The first Taifa of Majorca began in 1018. It was started by Mujāhid al-ʿĀmirī. He was a powerful leader who established the kingdom. After him, his son, Ali Iqbal ud-Dawlah, continued to rule.

Later, a new family, the Aglabid dynasty, took control in 1076. Important rulers from this family included Ibn Aglab al-Murtada and Mubassir. During Mubassir's rule, the kingdom faced a major challenge.

Christian Attack and Almoravid Takeover

Between 1113 and 1115, Christian forces launched a large attack on the Balearic Islands. This event is sometimes called a "crusade." The Christian forces caused a lot of damage. After this, the Almoravids, a powerful Muslim empire from North Africa, took control of Majorca. The island became part of their larger empire.

The Second Taifa: The Banu Ghaniya Dynasty

After a period under Almoravid rule, the Almoravid Empire began to weaken. In 1147, a new independent kingdom, the second Taifa of Majorca, was formed. This kingdom was ruled by the Banu Ghaniya dynasty.

Last Stand Against the Almohads

The Banu Ghaniya rulers, like Muhammad I and Ishaq, tried to keep Majorca independent. They faced a new threat from the Almohads, another powerful Muslim group from North Africa. The Taifa of Majorca became the last place where the Almoravids and their allies, the Banu Ghaniya, resisted the Almohad advance in Al-Andalus.

The Banu Ghaniya rulers, such as Muhammad II and Ali, fought hard to protect their kingdom. However, in 1203, the Almohads finally conquered Majorca. This marked the end of the Taifa of Majorca as an independent kingdom. The island then became part of the Almohad Empire until 1229.

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In Spanish: Taifa de Mallorca para niños