Taifa of Tortosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Taifa of Tortosa
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| 1010–1099 | |||||||||
| Capital | Tortosa | ||||||||
| Common languages | Arabic, Mozarabic, Hebrew, Berber | ||||||||
| Religion | Islam, Christianity (Roman Catholic), Judaism | ||||||||
| Government | Monarchy | ||||||||
| Historical era | Middle Ages | ||||||||
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• Downfall of Caliphate of Córdoba
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1010 | ||||||||
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• To Zaragoza
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1060–1081 | ||||||||
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• Conquered by Granada
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1099 | ||||||||
| Currency | Dirham and Dinar | ||||||||
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The Taifa of Tortosa (Arabic: طائفة طرطوشة) was a small Islamic kingdom in medieval Spain. It was called a "taifa," which means a small independent Muslim state. This kingdom existed for two separate times. First, from 1010 to 1060, and then again from 1081 to 1099. It was started by a Slavic military leader named Labib al-Fata al-Saqlabi.
Contents
What Was the Taifa of Tortosa?
The Taifa of Tortosa was one of many small kingdoms that appeared in what is now Spain. This happened after the big Caliphate of Córdoba empire broke apart. These taifas were often at war with each other or with Christian kingdoms nearby.
Tortosa was an important city because of its location. It was a port city on the Ebro River. This made it a key place for trade and travel. The rulers of Tortosa controlled this important area.
Who Ruled Tortosa?
The leaders of the Taifa of Tortosa were called Emirs. An Emir was like a prince or a governor. These rulers came from different families or groups over time. They worked to keep their small kingdom safe and strong.
The Saqlabi Rulers
The first rulers of Tortosa were from the Saqlabi dynasty. These rulers were originally Slavs. They had been brought to Spain as slaves but gained power.
- Labib al-Fata al-Saqlabi: He was the first Emir, ruling from around 1009 to 1039 or 1040. He helped create the Taifa of Tortosa.
- Muqatil Sayf al-Milla: He ruled after Labib, from about 1039 or 1040 to 1053 or 1054.
- Ya'la: He was Emir from 1053 or 1054 to 1057 or 1058.
- Nabil: He ruled from 1057 or 1058 until 1060. After Nabil, the Taifa of Tortosa was taken over by the Taifa of Zaragoza. It remained part of Zaragoza from 1060 to 1081 or 1083.
The Huddid Rulers
The Taifa of Tortosa became independent again around 1081 or 1082. This time, it was ruled by the Huddid dynasty.
- al-Mundir 'Imad ad-Dawla: He ruled from 1081 or 1082 to 1090. He helped bring the kingdom back to life.
- Sulayman Sayyid: He was the last known Emir, ruling from 1090 until about 1115. Around 1115, the Taifa of Tortosa was conquered by the Almoravids. The Almoravids were a powerful group from North Africa. They took control of many taifa kingdoms in Spain.
See Also
In Spanish: Taifa de Tortosa para niños
