Yahya ibn Muhammad facts for kids

Yahya ibn Muhammad (Arabic: يحيى بن محمد; died 863) was an important ruler in ancient Morocco. He was the fifth leader of the Idrisid family, which ruled parts of North Africa. Yahya I, as he is also known, became the emir (ruler) in 849 and led his people until his death in 863.

Yahya I: Ruler of Morocco

Yahya was a younger son of Muhammad ibn Idris, who was the fourth Idrisid emir. Yahya became the ruler of Morocco in January 849. He took over after his brother, Ali I, passed away without any children to inherit the throne.

Growing the Capital City

Many historians believe that Yahya's time as ruler was peaceful and successful. During his reign, the Idrisid capital city, Fes, grew a lot. Many people moved there from al-Andalus (parts of modern-day Spain and Portugal) and Ifriqiya (parts of modern-day Tunisia and Algeria).

Two very important mosques in Fes, the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and the Andalusian Mosque, are traditionally said to have been started in 859 during his rule. However, for the Qarawiyyin Mosque, a special stone carving was found that says it was actually built later, in 877.

A Time of Peace?

Even though Yahya's rule is often seen as peaceful, some modern historians have noticed something interesting. There are no coins found from Fes that have Yahya's name on them. Instead, there are coins with the name Abu Sahl. This Abu Sahl might be connected to a family that fought against the Idrisids for control of Fes a few years after Yahya died. This makes some historians wonder if his rule was truly as peaceful as traditionally thought.

Yahya died in 863. After his death, his son, Yahya II, became the next ruler.

Family Tree

See also

Sources

• Benchekroun, Chafik T. (2018). "Idrīsids". Encyclopaedia of Islam, THREE. Brill Online. 
• Eustache, D. (1971). "Idrīsids". The Encyclopaedia of Islam, New Edition, Volume III: H–Iram. Leiden: E. J. Brill. 1035–1037.