8th century – 8th century
Central Maghrib
The Sufrite Kingdom of Tlemcen was a Zanata polity founded by Abu Kurra in the central Maghrib during the eighth century. Abu Kurra had participated in the unsuccessful Sufrite attack on Kayrawan and was reportedly raised to the dignity of caliph. The kingdom was short-lived: on 8 December 789, Tlemcen fell without resistance under Idrisid rule. It was one of the principal Sufrite states formed during the fragmentation of Maghrib politics.
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The Story
The kingdom of Tlemcen was founded in the central Maghrib by Abu Kurra, a Zanata leader associated with the Sufrite revolt. His father’s name, Dunnas or Donnus, was presented as evidence of Christian origin, although the political identity of the kingdom was firmly connected with the Kharidjite movements reshaping the region.
Abu Kurra had taken part in the failed Sufrite assault on Kayrawan. According to the passage’s cited medieval authority, he was raised to the dignity of caliph, a title consistent with the Sufrite principle that supreme authority could belong to the most praiseworthy person without distinction of race or social status.
The Tlemcen kingdom did not survive its founder by a long interval. On 15 Rajab 173, corresponding to 8 December 789, Tlemcen fell under Idrisid rule without the slightest resistance. Its brief existence nevertheless illustrates the political fragmentation of the central Maghrib after the weakening of centralized Arab authority.
8th century – 8th century
Central Maghrib
The Sufrite Kingdom of Tlemcen was a Zanata polity founded by Abu Kurra in the central Maghrib during the eighth century. Abu Kurra had participated in the unsuccessful Sufrite attack on Kayrawan and was reportedly raised to the dignity of caliph. The kingdom was short-lived: on 8 December 789, Tlemcen fell without resistance under Idrisid rule. It was one of the principal Sufrite states formed during the fragmentation of Maghrib politics.
Continue exploring
The Story
The kingdom of Tlemcen was founded in the central Maghrib by Abu Kurra, a Zanata leader associated with the Sufrite revolt. His father’s name, Dunnas or Donnus, was presented as evidence of Christian origin, although the political identity of the kingdom was firmly connected with the Kharidjite movements reshaping the region.
Abu Kurra had taken part in the failed Sufrite assault on Kayrawan. According to the passage’s cited medieval authority, he was raised to the dignity of caliph, a title consistent with the Sufrite principle that supreme authority could belong to the most praiseworthy person without distinction of race or social status.
The Tlemcen kingdom did not survive its founder by a long interval. On 15 Rajab 173, corresponding to 8 December 789, Tlemcen fell under Idrisid rule without the slightest resistance. Its brief existence nevertheless illustrates the political fragmentation of the central Maghrib after the weakening of centralized Arab authority.
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