13th century – 13th century
Hafsid Ifriqiya
Al-Mustansir was a Hafsid ruler who succeeded Abu Zakariya and governed Ifriqiya from 1249 to 1277. He assumed the title of amir al-mu'minin in 1253 and received recognition from the Sharifs of Mecca and the Mamluks of Egypt. His reign included diplomatic and military confrontation with the wider Muslim world and the failed crusade of St Louis against Tunis in 1270.
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The Story
Al-Mustansir succeeded Abu Zakariya in 1249 and ruled Hafsid Ifriqiya until 1277. His reign continued the political development of the independent Hafsid state, whose major capital was Tunis. The dynasty's authority rested on a complex balance among urban populations, tribal groups, refugees, and the institutions inherited from the Almohads.
In 1253, al-Mustansir assumed the title of amir al-mu'minin. The Sharifs of Mecca recognized him as caliph in 1259, and the Mamluks of Egypt did so in 1260. This recognition followed the Mongol capture of Baghdad and the death of the last 'Abbasid caliph in 1258, although Sultan Baybars installed a new 'Abbasid claimant at Cairo in 1261.
Al-Mustansir's reputation was reinforced by the failure of St Louis's crusade against Tunis in 1270. The French army landed by Carthage, but illness devastated the camp and St Louis died within weeks. Charles of Anjou, king of Sicily, then concluded a peace treaty with al-Mustansir, who was also concerned about the seasonal withdrawal of his nomadic contingents.
13th century – 13th century
Hafsid Ifriqiya
Al-Mustansir was a Hafsid ruler who succeeded Abu Zakariya and governed Ifriqiya from 1249 to 1277. He assumed the title of amir al-mu'minin in 1253 and received recognition from the Sharifs of Mecca and the Mamluks of Egypt. His reign included diplomatic and military confrontation with the wider Muslim world and the failed crusade of St Louis against Tunis in 1270.
Continue exploring
The Story
Al-Mustansir succeeded Abu Zakariya in 1249 and ruled Hafsid Ifriqiya until 1277. His reign continued the political development of the independent Hafsid state, whose major capital was Tunis. The dynasty's authority rested on a complex balance among urban populations, tribal groups, refugees, and the institutions inherited from the Almohads.
In 1253, al-Mustansir assumed the title of amir al-mu'minin. The Sharifs of Mecca recognized him as caliph in 1259, and the Mamluks of Egypt did so in 1260. This recognition followed the Mongol capture of Baghdad and the death of the last 'Abbasid caliph in 1258, although Sultan Baybars installed a new 'Abbasid claimant at Cairo in 1261.
Al-Mustansir's reputation was reinforced by the failure of St Louis's crusade against Tunis in 1270. The French army landed by Carthage, but illness devastated the camp and St Louis died within weeks. Charles of Anjou, king of Sicily, then concluded a peace treaty with al-Mustansir, who was also concerned about the seasonal withdrawal of his nomadic contingents.
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