Sijilmasa

Quick Facts: Who was Sijilmasa?

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Sijilmasa

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A pivotal medieval Moroccan trade entrepôt on the edge of the Sahara.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Sijilmasa (Arabic: سجلماسة; also transliterated Sijilmassa, Sidjilmasa, Sidjilmassa and Sigilmassa) was a medieval Moroccan city and trade entrepôt at the northern edge of the Sahara in Morocco. The ruins of the town extend for five miles along the River Ziz in the Tafilalt oasis near the town of Rissani. Its founding is associated with the creation of the Tafilalt oasis, and much of its economic success during the medieval period has been attributed to the agricultural capabilities granted by the oasis' massive canal. The town's history was marked by several successive invasions by Berber dynasties. Up until the 14th century, as the northern terminus for the western trans-Sahara trade route, it was one of the most important trade centres in the Maghreb during the Middle Ages.

Career & Major Achievements

According to al-Bakri's Book of Routes and Places, Sufrite Kharijites first settled the town in the wake of the Berber revolts against the Umayyads. Al-Bakri recounts that others joined these early settlers there, until they numbered around four thousand, at which point they laid the groundwork for the city. They elected a leader, 'Isa bin Mazid al-Aswad (the Black), to handle their affairs during the earliest first few years after the town's establishment. However, after ruling for 14 years, he was accused by his companions of corruption and executed. Abu al-Qasim Samgu bin Wasul al-Miknasi, chief of a branch of the Miknasa tribe, became the leader of the town.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He and his descendants are known as the Midrar dynasty. The Arab geographer Ibn Hawqal visited Spain and the Maghreb between 947 and 951 A.D. According to the account in his Kitab Surat al-Ard, completed around 988 AD, Sijilmasa grew in economic power due to shifting trade routes. At one time, trade between Egypt and the Ghana Empire took a direct route across the desert, but because of the harsh conditions, this route was abandoned. Instead caravans passed through the Maghreb to Sijilmasa, then headed south across the Sahara. Sijilmasa's economic wealth is evidenced by Ibn Hawqal's story about a bill issued to a trader in Awdaghust for 42,000 dinars from another merchant based out of Sijilmasa.

Notable Quotes by Sijilmasa

“I reached the city of Sijilmasa, a very beautiful city. It has abundant dates of good quality.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Sijilmasa

True or False: “Sijilmasa was continuously controlled by one single ruling dynasty from its founding until the 15th century.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The city's history involved numerous shifts in power, including rule by the Midrarid, Maghrawa, Almoravid, and Almohad dynasties.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Sijilmasa