The Taifa of Algeciras (Arabic: طائفة الجزيرة) was a medieval Muslim taifa kingdom in what is now southern Spain and Gibraltar, that existed from 1035 to 1058.

Taifa of Algeciras
طائفة الجزيرة (Arabic)
1035–1058
Taifa Kingdom of Algeciras, c. 1037.
Taifa Kingdom of Algeciras, c. 1037.
CapitalAlgeciras
Common languagesArabic, Mozarabic, Hebrew
Religion
Islam, Catholicism, Judaism
GovernmentMonarchy
Emir 
• 1035–1048
Muhammad ibn al-Qasim
• 1048–1058
al-Qasim al-Wathiq
Historical eraMiddle Ages
• Downfall of Caliphate of Córdoba
1035
• Conquered by the Taifa of Seville
1058
CurrencyDirham and Dinar
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Caliphate of Cordoba
Taifa of Seville
Today part ofSpain
Gibraltar

History

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The taifa was created in 1013, in the wake of the disintegration of the caliphate of Córdoba which began after 1009. When Sulayman ibn al-Hakam took control of the caliphate, he gave Algeciras to the Hammudids, a dynasty who had helped him in gaining the power. The first king of Algeciras was al-Qasim al-Ma'mun, who later was also caliph.

His cousin Yahya al-Mu'tali annexed Algeciras to the taifa of Málaga in 1035. In 1039 Muhammad ibn al-Qasim, son of al-Qasim, was proclaimed emir of Algeciras.

In 1055 al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad, lord of Seville, appeared under Algeciras' walls, forcing Muhammad to leave the taifa, which was annexed to that of Seville.[1]

Following its conquest, the kings of Spain (such as Philip IV) sometimes included the kingdom of Algeciras among their titles.

List of Emirs

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Kevin Lane, Clive Finlayson, Uwe Vagelpohl, Francisco José Giles Guzmàn, Francisco Giles Pacheco "Myths, Moors and Holy War: Reassessing the History and Archaeology of Gibraltar and the Straits, ad 711–1462". Medieval Archaeology. 58 (1): 136–161. 20 Oct 2014 – via Taylor & Francis.

36°08′00″N 5°27′00″W / 36.1333°N 5.4500°W / 36.1333; -5.4500