Zayyanid Capture of Sijilmasa
Date1264
Location
Sijilmasa, Morocco
Result Zayyanid victory
Belligerents
Zayyanid dynasty Merinid dynasty
Commanders and leaders
Yaghmurasen Ibn Zyan Abu Yusuf Yaqub ibn Abd al-Haqq
Strength
Unknown Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown Unknown

The Zayyanid Capture Of Sijilmasa was a battle between the Merinids and the Zayyanids in which they captured Sijilmasa from them.

Background

In their pursuit of economic leverage over the Merinids during the ongoing conflict between the Almohads, the Zayyanids of Tlemcen, under the leadership of Yaghmurasen Ibn Zyan, embarked upon a strategic endeavor. In the year 1257, Yaghmurasen Ibn Zyan orchestrated a military campaign with the intent of securing a foothold in Sijilmasa. However, this initial assault proved unsuccessful, leading to a period of frustration for the Zayyanid leader.

Undeterred by the setback, Yaghmurasen Ibn Zyan undertook the task of reorganizing and reinforcing his forces. By the year 1264, the Zayyanid leader had diligently prepared his army for a renewed and resolute offensive against Sijilmasa.[1][2]

Battle

Yaghmurasen Ibn Zyan executed the planned assault with remarkable efficiency, leading to the seamless capture of Sijilmasa. The success of this operation was facilitated by the absence of resistance encountered, as the Merinids, were defending against the Almohads, allocated their strategic focus elsewhere. This opportune circumstance allowed Yaghmurasen Ibn Zyan to secure Sijilmasa with minimal casualties.[2]

Aftermath

Yaghmurasen Ibn Zyan, and the Zayyanids, successfully maintained control over Sijilmasa for an period of 11 years.[3] During this tenure, they strategically pioneered trade routes spanning from Sijilmasa to Tlemcen, fostering economic prosperity through the facilitation of Sub-Saharan commerce. This shrewd economic initiative not only solidified the Zayyanids' regional influence but also bolstered Tlemcen's standing as a pivotal trade hub.[1][4]

In the year 1275,[4] the Merinids reclaimed Sijilmasa, signaling a shift in territorial control. Despite this, the economic currents remained largely in favor of Tlemcen, as the established trade routes endured, ensuring a continued influx of commerce to the city.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Africa, Unesco International Scientific Committee for the Drafting of a General History of (1984). Africa from the Twelfth to the Sixteenth Century. Unesco. ISBN 978-92-3-101710-0.
  2. 1 2 Lugan, Bernard; Fournel, André (2009). Histoire de l'Afrique: des origines à nos jours (in French). Ellipses. ISBN 978-2-7298-4268-0.
  3. ↑ Messier, Ronald A. (2009). "ʿAbd al- Wādids". In Fleet, Kate; Krämer, Gudrun; Matringe, Denis; Nawas, John; Rowson, Everett (eds.). The Encyclopaedia of Islam. Brill.
  4. 1 2 "Tlemcen". Al Fusaic. Retrieved 2023-12-29.
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