The Caliphal Era in Córdoba

In our historical introduction to Medina Azahara, to which we refer, we already explained the significance of Abderramán III’s adoption of the caliphal title, its causes, and we also outlined a summary of the reign of his successors on an internal level (political, socioeconomic, and cultural). To avoid repetition, we will now focus on other details.

Abderramán III (912 / 929–961) was born in the year 891 and was soon orphaned, as his father was assassinated that same year by his uncle. Therefore, his education was entrusted to his mother, Muzra (a slave of Basque origin), and his grandmother Occa, daughter of the Navarrese monarch Fortún Garcés. However, the strictness of his education and the preparation for the role he was to undertake are owed to his grandfather, Emir Abd Allah. His Hispanic ancestry on his mother’s side did not prevent his determination in subduing internal problems (notably the revolt of Omar Ibn Hafsun) or his numerous victorious campaigns against the Christians. These campaigns – despite defeats suffered at Valdejunquera (920) and Simancas (939) – earned the first Cordoban caliph the nickname An Nasir Li-Din Allah, which means “he who fights religiously for the religion of Allah.”

Foreign Policy and Expansion

Taking advantage of the internal difficulties then faced by the Christian kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula, the military and political capacity of the Umayyad Caliphate was reinforced beyond the Peninsula’s borders. His tense relations with the Abbasid Caliphate of Baghdad and the Fatimid Caliphate of Egypt are well known; therefore, the Caliph sought to assert his supremacy over them through his expansionist policy in North Africa—occupation of Melilla (927), Ceuta (932), and Tangier (951). Secondly, his foreign affairs stand out for the smooth diplomatic relations established with Provence, Italy, the German Empire of Otto I—who sent an embassy to Córdoba in the year 936—and the Byzantine Empire.

The Reign of Alhaken II

When Abderramán III died, he was succeeded at the age of 46 by his son Alhaken II (961–976). We know that he was named his father’s successor at the age of 8 due to the premature death of his brother and that he was very intelligent and had a great aptitude for study. Upon ascending the throne, he already had extensive governing experience, which served him well. He was a very religious man, especially after suffering a hemiplegic stroke in 974.

Cultural Patronage and Architectural Works

His tendency toward patronage made him the most important cultural focal point of the time. He possessed a fantastic library whose holdings were significantly expanded during his reign. It is said that many Cordobans traveled to the most remote parts of the world to buy manuscripts for his library, which came to hold more than 400,000 volumes. Whether this is true or not, the new Andalusi sovereign showed great concern for the expansion of the Great Mosque of Córdoba.

Alhaken II adopted the nickname Al-Mutansir Bi-Llah (“he who seeks the victorious help of Allah“) and was supported by numerous collaborators. The first was Galib, a freedman who became the head of the army. The second was Chaffar al-Mushafi, head of central administration, whose father had been Alhaken II’s tutor, which led to a strong bond with the royal family. The third was the Basque concubine Shub, who would become the mother of the future Caliph Hisham II.

Relations with the Christian Kingdoms

Despite the aforementioned nickname, Alhaken II only fought against the Christian kingdoms when he deemed it necessary. Rather, his efforts successfully focused on acting as an arbitrator in the internal disputes of the various kingdoms. However, toward the end of his reign, he achieved the important victory of San Esteban de Gormaz (975).

Hisham II and the Amirid Dictatorship

Alhaken II was succeeded by his son Hisham II (976–1013), but since he was a minor, power was exercised by Almanzor (976–1002), who established a personal dictatorship until his death, later continued by his sons. Despite this figure’s notable military successes—nicknamed “the scourge of the Christians” by Islamic sources and Al-Mansur Bi-Llah (“the victorious by Allah“)—after his death the caliphate fell into marked decline, and shortly thereafter a civil war began that brought an end to this political structure.

Almanzor is known for carrying out the last expansion of the Mosque. For example, after the military campaign (razzia) against Santiago de Compostela, he took the golden bells from the Cathedral to reuse the material in these expansion works.

The Legacy of the Umayyad Caliphate in Córdoba

If you’re wondering what to visit in Córdoba, the best option would be the Mosque-Cathedral, choosing one of our guided tours. This way you will learn everything you need to know about the Umayyad Caliphate of Al-Andalus. Choosing quality tourism means choosing ArtenCórdoba.

Text: Jesús Pijuán.