Banu al-Ward
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Banu al-Ward بني الورد | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1052–1203 | |||||||||
| Capital | Bizerte | ||||||||
| Other languages | Arabic | ||||||||
| Religion | Sunni Islam | ||||||||
| Government | Monarchy | ||||||||
| Emir | |||||||||
• 1013-? | Abu Raja Al Ward Al-Lakhmi | ||||||||
• ? | Trad bin al-Ward | ||||||||
• ?–1151 | Muqrin bin al-Ward | ||||||||
• 1141-1151 | Abdul Aziz Ben Muqrin | ||||||||
• 1151-1155 | Mussa ben Muqrin | ||||||||
• 1155-1159 | Issa ben Muqrin | ||||||||
| History | |||||||||
• Established | 1052 | ||||||||
• Disestablished | 1203 | ||||||||
| |||||||||
| Today part of | Tunisia | ||||||||
History
The Emirate of the Banu al-Ward was founded following the Battle of Haydaran, after the decline of the Zirid dynasty, which had taken refuge in Mahdia. This led to the independence of several local dynasties, including the Banu al-Ward.[1]
The Banu al-Ward, a clan of Lakhm, held considerable influence in Bizerte. As the city faced attacks and instability caused by the Banu Hilal and their allies, the inhabitants appointed Abu al-Ward al-Lakhmi as their leader. He was entrusted with the city’s fortress and took responsibility for defending Bizerte and its inhabitants.
Abu al-Ward negotiated with several Arab groups, including the Banu Riyah, and arranged the payment of taxes in exchange for protection, helping to end their attacks on the city. He is described as a capable and moderate ruler who governed with the assistance of a local consultative council.[2]
The Emirate of the Banu al-Ward al-Lahji was centered on Bizerte, a strategically located city on the Mediterranean Sea. Its access to the sea, lake and port connected it with other regions of Ifriqiya and contributed to its economic and strategic importance.
In 404 AH (1013), Abu Rajāʾ al-Ward al-Lahji took power in Bizerte and established an administration to consolidate his authority. He also undertook the restoration of religious buildings, including the Kasbah Mosque, which was associated with the Banu al-Ward.
His government faced repeated attacks by Arab tribes, which threatened both public and private property and forced the inhabitants to participate in the defense of the city’s fortifications. Abu al-Ward organized financial contributions for the city’s defense and oversaw the repair of its fortifications and religious monuments.
These measures helped strengthen the political stability and social security of Bizerte during the period of the Hilalian invasion of Ifriqiya.[3]
The rulers of the Banu al-Ward were renowned for not allowing any fisherman to practice their trade without prior authorization from them.[4]
In 1159, Abd El Mu’min was commissioned by the Almohad sultan to pacify Ifriqiya. In the same year, he recaptured Gafsa from the Banu Al Ward.[5]
References
Sources
- Ibn Khaldoun, Yahya (1377). ديوان المبتدأ والخبر في تاريخالعرب والبربر ومن عاصرهم من ذوي الشأن الأكبر ج (in العربية). Search this book on
- Daghfous, Radhi (2003). Les Hilaliens et le pouvoir politique en Ifriqiya à la fin du Moyen âge (in français). Search this book on
- Michingan, University (1995). صيد الساحلي بتونس وبالبحر المتوسط (in français). Search this book on
- Wahab, Ahlam Salih (2018). إمارة بني الورد اللخمي في بنزرت. بتونس: دراسة في أوضاعها السياسية من سنة م (in العربية). Search this book on
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