The Banu al-Ahmar Dynasty
The Banu al-Ahmar dynasty is recognized as the last Islamic lineage to govern Al-Andalus, ruling from 1232 to 1492 CE. Their ancestry traces back to the Khazraj tribe of Qahtan, specifically to Saad ibn Ubadah, the chieftain of the Khazraj. One notable figure in this lineage is Muhammad ibn Yusuf ibn Nasr, commonly known as Al-Sheikh, who was their prominent leader and the first ruler to forge a treaty with King Ferdinand III of Castile.
Governance of Banu al-Ahmar in Al-Andalus
The reign of the Banu al-Ahmar commenced in the Kingdom of Granada, where they established their governance. After settling in the region, they sought a formidable and secure location, ultimately founding their stronghold at the site known as Alhambra, situated in the northeastern part of Granada. Here, they constructed the Red Castle (Al-Qasbah al-Hamra), establishing the Alhambra Palace as the center of their reign. This impressive structure boasted numerous defensive towers and an extensive wall reaching up to the plateau. It is worth noting that the time of the Banu al-Ahmar marked a period of prosperity; cultural development flourished, and Granada became the focal point of Islamic civilization in Al-Andalus.
Alternative Names for Banu al-Ahmar
Various names have been attributed to the Banu al-Ahmar, as follows:
- Banu Nasr
- The Nasrids
- Banu al-Ahmar
It is important to mention that the name “Banu al-Ahmar” derives from Muhammad ibn Yusuf ibn Nasr al-Ahmar, who was given the title because of his red hair. This designation extended to his descendants and persisted throughout their rule in Granada.
The Fall of the Banu al-Ahmar State
The decline of the Banu al-Ahmar state began after 1408 CE, as internal conflicts over power erupted among various factions within the dynasty. Many sought assistance from the Castilian monarchs. In an effort to preserve the state’s existence, Mulay Hassan, alongside his brother Zagal, attempted to reinforce the dynasty’s stability. However, their efforts were ultimately ineffective under the reign of Muhammad XII, who faced mounting pressures from the monarchs Isabella of Aragon and Ferdinand of Castile. This culminated in the siege of Granada, and in 1492 CE, Muhammad XII surrendered the city, marking the fall of the last Islamic bastion in Al-Andalus.