The Emiral Era in Córdoba

Al-Andalus is the name given to the territory politically dominated by Muslims in the Iberian Peninsula since the year 711, when the invasion led by Musa Ibn Nusayr and his lieutenant Tariq Ibn Ziyad took place. The former was the Walī – the direct representative of the Umayyad caliph of Damascus in a province of a subjected territory – in Ifriqiyya (North Africa). Al-Andalus became a territory dependent on that province and was governed by an Emir under the orders of the aforementioned Walī. From the year 716 onward, Córdoba (Qurtuba) became the capital of the emirate of Al-Andalus. However, in the year 750 the Umayyads were overthrown by the Abbasids, and the sole survivor of the massacre, Abderrahman al-Dahil “the emigrant” fled and arrived in southern Spain in 756, establishing an independent Umayyad emirate separate from the Abbasid caliphate in Baghdad, which lasted until the year 929.

The Independent Umayyad Emirate

Abderrahman I was 25 years old when he proclaimed himself emir (756–788). He focused on consolidating his power against the Abbasids, and also began the construction of the magnificent Great Mosque of Córdoba. His successors made efforts to maintain control over the conquered territory and the subjected Hispanic population. The dynasty continued with the son of “the emigrant“, al-Hakam I (796–822), who was 26 years old when he took the throne; he was succeeded by his son Hisham I (788–796) at the age of 31.

Internal Conflicts of the Emirate

During this period, the main difficulties of the emirate did not come from the Christian enclaves emerging in the north, but from internal rivalries: religious – with Christians who had converted to Islam (Muladis); or with the Mozarabs, that is, Christians living in Al-Andalus (episode of the “voluntary martyrdom”, in the year 850); ethnic – between Arab and Berber Muslims – and geographic – between Yemenis or Arabs from the north of the Arabian Peninsula and Qaysis or Arabs from the south. Often, these conflicts stemmed from socioeconomic inequalities, as Muslims at the top of the political hierarchy enjoyed more social privileges and paid fewer taxes than others.

The 9th Century: Crisis and Expansion

After suppressing internal revolts, the new emir Abderrahman II (822–852), who ascended to the throne at the age of 45, was able to resume the offensive policy against the Christian kingdoms and promote the construction of the Mosque. During his rule, the Norman invasions of the Peninsula occurred – in the years 844 and 858 – and the Umayyads of Córdoba began rapprochement with the Byzantine Empire, sending an embassy in the year 840 (which enriched the decoration of the Mosque, as we will later see).

Abderrahman II was succeeded at the age of 23 by his son Muhammad I (852–886), who tried to maintain the territorial integrity of Al-Andalus, carrying out a total of 10 campaigns against the Kingdom of Asturias and the western part of the Peninsula. But the implementation of an expansive foreign policy is often, as in this case, a sign of a deep internal crisis within the emirate. Thus, the wave of plagues and famines between the years 865 and 874 fueled the intensification of revolts.

The Rise of Abderrahman III

Muhammad I was succeeded by his two sons, born to the Christian slave Ushur: al-Mundhir (886–888), aged 42, and Abd Allah (888–912), aged 44. Abderrahman III succeeded his grandfather at the age of 21 in the year 912, after his own father was assassinated by an uncle. During the first stage of his reign, until he proclaimed himself caliph in the year 929 – and even for years after – Abderrahman III devoted himself to quelling internal revolts that challenged his legitimacy.

Visiting Umayyad Córdoba

If you’re unsure what to do in Córdoba, we recommend visiting the Mezquita-Catedral by booking one of our guided tours. Choose to experience quality tourism with qualified personnel – don’t hesitate, ArtenCórdoba is the best option.

Text: Jesús Pijuán.