Nafusa City in the Islamic Maghreb A Study of Its General Conditions Until 311 AH

Abstract

The history of the Nafusa tribe is considered an ancient history as old as the Phoenician and Roman civilizations. The Nafusa played an important role during the rule of these civilizations over the Maghreb in general. They also embraced the religions of these civilizations, spoke their languages, and interacted with them. However, they found in Islam a savior from the slavery and arrogance of these civilizations, especially what they found of Islamic principles that urge justice and equality, so they embraced the Islamic religion in droves. The city of Nafusa also played a major and important role in Islamic history in general and the history of the Maghreb in particular, due to the city of Nafusa’s sensitive location that linked the East and West of the Islamic world. The city of Nafusa formed a crossing point between the various cities of the Islamic world, in addition to its geography, location and the rugged mountainous terrain it enjoyed, which made it a fortified and strong city. This terrain also provided reasons for economic prosperity, from valleys suitable for grazing, rain and soil suitable for agriculture, which made it enjoy a prosperous economic life, in addition to the role that Nafusa played on the political, economic and social levels due to this location. The strength, status and influence of the Nafusa tribe in the region made its name prevail over the region in which it settled, which is the mountain region, which became known by its name, despite the fact that many tribes inhabited this region. However, the strength and influence of the Nafusa tribe made all these tribes ally with it or pledge allegiance to it. Due to its geographical location, natural fortifications and the strength of its men, the city had a major political role, as the city participated in all political and military events in the Maghreb countries. It had a firm position towards the intransigence of the Umayyad and Abbasid governors and the revolts against them, overthrowing them and sometimes killing them. It also participated in many international political conflicts that threatened its existence and influence, so it had a major role in drawing the political map of the region and resolving disputes in favor of one party at the expense of another.