The Role of the Tribes of the Central Maghreb in the Establishment of the ʿUbaydid State during the Fourth Century AH/Tenth Century CE (The Kutama and Sanhaja Tribes as Examples)

Abstract

The Kutama and Sanhaja tribes constituted an essential political and military foundation for the establishment of the ʿUbaydid State and the consolidation of its authority in the Central Maghreb during the fourth century AH. The Kutama supported the Ismaʿili daʿwa under the leadership of Abu ʿAbd Allah al-Shiʿi and contributed to its military expansions, which overthrew several states, most notably the Aghlabid State. The role of the Sanhaja, meanwhile, became prominent with Ziri ibn Manad in confronting the Zanata, and later with Buluggin ibn Ziri, who assumed leadership of the Islamic Maghreb by appointment of the ʿUbaydid caliph al-Muʿizz li-Din Allah. Nevertheless, the ʿUbaydid presence was temporary, as the Sanhaja restored their Maliki doctrinal orientation during the reign of al-Muʿizz ibn Badis.