Safaria
All mangas

The Safaria blog · Vol. 04

Yusuf ibn Tashfin and the birth of Marrakech

From the veils of the Sahara to the city that named Morocco

1070 – 1086Marrakech2 min read6 panels
11th century. Out of the Sahara, the Almoravids, veiled Sanhaja warriors, unite the tribes.
11th century. Out of the Sahara, the Almoravids, veiled Sanhaja warriors, unite the tribes.
Around 1070, the emir Abu Bakr ibn Umar pitches his camp on the plain at the foot of the Atlas: Marrakech is born.
Around 1070, the emir Abu Bakr ibn Umar pitches his camp on the plain at the foot of the Atlas: Marrakech is born.
Abu Bakr heads back south and leaves power to his cousin Yusuf ibn Tashfin.

The desert calls me. I leave this land to you, Yusuf.

Abu Bakr heads back south and leaves power to his cousin Yusuf ibn Tashfin.
Yusuf makes Marrakech a capital: mosques, markets and gardens watered by khettaras.
Yusuf makes Marrakech a capital: mosques, markets and gardens watered by khettaras.
1086: called by the kings of al-Andalus, he wins the battle of Zallaqa.
1086: called by the kings of al-Andalus, he wins the battle of Zallaqa.
Marrakech will give its name to the whole country: "Marrakech" becomes "Maroc", "Morocco", "Marruecos".
Marrakech will give its name to the whole country: "Marrakech" becomes "Maroc", "Morocco", "Marruecos".

The end

Dates and facts are historical; the dialogue is imagined for the story. Characters are drawn as silhouettes, out of respect.

Historical landmarks

  • Marrakech was founded around 1070 by the Almoravids.
  • Battle of Zallaqa (Sagrajas): 23 October 1086.
  • The medina of Marrakech has been on the UNESCO list since 1985.

Sources

Live this story

See our programmes