Tashfin ibn Ali facts for kids

Tashfin ibn Ali was an important ruler of the Almoravid dynasty. He was the sixth Emir, which is like a powerful leader or king, of this empire. He ruled for a short time, from 1143 to 1145. He was the son of Ali ibn Yusuf, who was also a famous Almoravid ruler.

Tashfin's Life and Rule

Tashfin ibn Ali started his career in government early. In 1129, he became the Governor of Granada and Almería. These were important cities in what is now southern Spain. Two years later, in 1131, he also became the Governor of Córdoba. He held these important jobs while his father, Ali ibn Yusuf, was still the Emir.

When his father passed away in 1143, Tashfin ibn Ali became the new Emir. He took charge of the Almoravid Empire.

Fighting the Almohads

Tashfin's rule was challenging because of a new group called the Almohads. They were led by Abd al-Mu'min and wanted to take control of the Almoravid lands. In 1145, Tashfin went to fight the Almohads near the city of Oran. This area is in modern-day Algeria.

The Almohad forces surrounded Tashfin and his army for several days. Tashfin decided his best chance was to escape by sea. He called for ships from Almeria to pick up his troops.

Tashfin's Final Moments

To prevent his supplies from falling into enemy hands, Tashfin burned his military camp. While trying to reach the port at night, he was riding his horse. Sadly, he fell off a cliff in the Atlas Mountains and died in March 1145.

After Tashfin's death, his young son, Ibrahim ibn Tashfin, became Emir. However, Ibrahim was still a baby, so Tashfin's brother, Ishaq ibn Ali, soon took over as the next ruler.

See also

In Spanish: Tasufín ben Alí ben Yúsef para niños