Origins & Early Life

Mawlay Mohammed al-Shaykh al-Sharif al-Hassani (Arabic: محمد الشيخ الشريف الحسني), known as Mohammed al-Shaykh (Arabic: محمد الشيخ; b. c. 1490 – d. 23 October 1557), was the first sultan of the Saadian dynasty (1544–1557).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was particularly successful in expelling the Portuguese from most of their bases in Morocco. He also eliminated the Wattasids and resisted the Ottomans. After the death of his father, Abu Abdallah al-Qaim in 1517, Mohammed al-Shaykh (together with his brother, Ahmad al-Araj) took command of the war of the Saadi against the Portuguese. They conquered Marrakesh in 1524. Ahmad became Emir of Marrakesh while still recognizing the Wattasid Sultan of Fez, and Mohammed remained as ruler of Taroudannt.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1527, the Treaty of Tadla was agreed upon between the Saadians and the Wattasids, following the Wattasid defeat in the Battle of Wadi al-Abid. Both dynasties agreed on their respective territorial control, which was separated by the Tadla region. After 1536 and the rise in power of Ahmad, the brothers came into conflict with each other. Ahmad had in effect allied himself with the Wattasids under the regent...

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