Yusuf II, Almohad caliph facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yusuf II |
|
|---|---|
| Almohad Caliph | |
| Ruler of the Almohad Caliphate | |
| Reign | 1213–1224 |
| Predecessor | Muhammad al-Nasir |
| Successor | Abd al-Wahid I |
| Born | c. 1203 |
| Died | 1224 (aged c. 20–21) |
| Father | Muhammad al-Nasir |
| Mother | Qamar |
| Religion | Islam |
Abū Yaʿqūb Yūsuf al-Mustanṣir (also known as Yusuf II) was a ruler of the Almohad Caliphate. He was born around 1203 and died in 1224. Yusuf II became the Caliph in 1213, when he was only about ten years old.
His father, Muhammad al-Nasir, chose him as his heir right before he died. After his father's death, the Almohad leaders, called sheikhs, confirmed Yusuf as the new Caliph. He then took the special title "al-Mustansir bi-Llah", which means "he who seeks the aid of God". Yusuf's mother was named Qamar, and she was a Christian slave.
Contents
Yusuf II's Time as Caliph
Yusuf II was young and enjoyed life. He let a group of important people manage the Almohad empire. This group included older family members, like his father's brothers in al-Andalus (parts of modern-day Spain and Portugal). It also included his cousin Abu Abd Allah Muhammad ibn Abi Hafs in Ifriqiya (modern-day Tunisia).
Challenges During His Rule
The empire's army had suffered a big defeat in 1212 at the Battle of Navas de Tolosa. Because of this, and without a strong leader like Yusuf's father, many rebellions started. These uprisings happened in the Maghreb, which is a region in North Africa.
The group of leaders found it very hard to stop these rebellions. This led to parts of the empire breaking away. For example, Ifriqiya eventually became independent under the Hafsid dynasty.
How Yusuf II's Reign Ended
Yusuf II died suddenly in early 1224. He was only about 20 or 21 years old. It is said that he died accidentally while playing with his pet cows. He was gored, meaning he was pierced by a horn.
Since Yusuf II did not have any children to take over, the palace officials quickly chose a new Caliph. They picked his elderly grand-uncle, Abd al-Wahid I. This happened in Marrakesh, the capital city.
However, this quick decision upset Yusuf's uncles. They were his father's brothers who lived in al-Andalus. They felt the election was not fair. So, they chose their own Caliph, named Abdallah al-Adil. This disagreement caused problems for the Almohad empire.
Important Officials
During his rule, Yusuf had a few important advisors called viziers. A vizier was like a chief minister who helped the Caliph govern.
The most important vizier was Abu Sa‘id Uthman ibn Jam‘i. He had also been a vizier for Yusuf's father. Abu Sa‘id Uthman ibn Jam‘i served as vizier again for Yusuf II for most of his reign, from 1214 to 1223. He even continued to serve the next Caliph, Abd al-Wahid I.
See also
In Spanish: Abu Yaqub Yúsuf II al-Mustánsir para niños
