Understanding the History of the Moors

Introduction

• Apologies for reposting due to copyright issues.
• Importance of discussing African history, particularly the Moors.
• The Moors signify African glory and respect in history.
• Challenges around the identity of the Moors.

Who Were the Moors?

• Term "Moors" referred to Muslims from North Africa.
• Included various Amazigh populations and other Africans from regions like Senegal, Guinea, Mali.
• Broad usage of the term, not exclusive to one group.
• Europeans differentiated between 'White Moors' and 'Black Moors'.

Key Moorish Dynasties

• Focus on Almoravids and Almohads.
• Importance of specifying dynasties when discussing Moorish history.

Historical Context

• 7th century spread of Islam across North Africa.
• Formation of African Islamic armies known as Moors.
• Use of black soldiers historically in Middle Eastern and North African armies.

Black Soldiers in Moorish Armies

• Black soldiers had a notable presence in Islamic armies and gained prominence from the 9th century.
• Example: Umayyad dynasty and the use of black troops by the first emir of Cordoba, Abed al-Rahman.

Changing Dynamics in the 9th Century

• Ahmad Tulun's reliance on black soldiers in Egypt.
• Black soldiers as a majority in some armies, e.g., 45,000 black soldiers under Tulun.
• Description of black soldiers as a powerful and striking force.

European Perspective

• European accounts often highlight black soldiers as representative of Muslim power.
• Artwork and literature from this period often depict Moors as black.

Key Figures and Dynasties

• Almoravids and Almohads in Spain as significant users of black soldiers.
• Jacob Al-Mansur of the Almohads, noted for his African maternal heritage.
• The role of black soldiers in maintaining rule and stability.

Evolution of Moorish Military Tradition

• Post-expulsion from Spain, use of black soldiers continued in Moroccan history.
• Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th-18th century had an extensive black army.

Importance of Black Soldiers

• Black soldiers served as key military and political force.
• Helped maintain rulers' power, protected capitals, and ensured imperial authority.

Conclusion

• Importance of recognizing diversity and specifics in Moorish history.
• Encouragement to support further historical content creation on platforms like Patreon.