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== Introduction ==

The Almohad dynasty was a Berber Muslim empire that emerged in the 12th century in the Maghreb and expanded into the Iberian Peninsula. Known for its religious reform and military prowess, the Almohad dynasty played a significant role in the history of the Islamic world and the Mediterranean region. This article delves into the origins, expansion, administration, cultural contributions, and eventual decline of the Almohad dynasty, providing a comprehensive understanding of its impact and legacy.

== Origins and Rise ==

The Almohad movement began in the early 12th century under the leadership of [[Ibn Tumart]], a Berber religious reformer from the Masmuda tribe. Ibn Tumart was influenced by the teachings of the [[Ash'ari]] school of Islamic theology and sought to purify Islam from what he perceived as heretical practices. He declared himself the Mahdi, a messianic figure in Islamic eschatology, and began preaching a strict form of monotheism.

The movement gained momentum when Ibn Tumart settled in the Atlas Mountains, where he gathered a following among the Berber tribes. After his death in 1130, his disciple [[Abd al-Mu'min]] took over the leadership and transformed the movement into a formidable military force. Abd al-Mu'min successfully united the Berber tribes and launched a series of campaigns against the ruling [[Almoravid dynasty]], eventually capturing their capital, Marrakesh, in 1147.

== Expansion and Consolidation ==

Under Abd al-Mu'min's leadership, the Almohad dynasty expanded its territories across North Africa and into the Iberian Peninsula. By the mid-12th century, the Almohads controlled a vast empire stretching from present-day Libya to the Atlantic Ocean and northward into Spain. The conquest of [[Al-Andalus]] marked a significant achievement, as it brought the Almohads into direct conflict with the Christian kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula.

The Almohads implemented a centralized administration to govern their diverse empire. They established a hierarchical system of governance, with the caliph at the top, followed by regional governors and local officials. This administrative structure allowed the Almohads to maintain control over their vast territories and ensure the implementation of their religious and political policies.

== Religious Reforms ==

The Almohad dynasty is renowned for its religious reforms, which sought to purify Islam and eliminate practices deemed heretical. The Almohads emphasized the strict adherence to Tawhid, the concept of monotheism, and rejected anthropomorphism in the depiction of God. They also opposed the veneration of saints and the use of intermediaries in worship.

These reforms were enforced through a combination of religious education and coercion. The Almohads established madrasas, or religious schools, to disseminate their teachings and ensure the religious conformity of their subjects. They also implemented a system of religious courts to adjudicate matters of faith and enforce compliance with their doctrines.

== Cultural Contributions ==

Despite their reputation for religious austerity, the Almohads made significant cultural contributions to the Islamic world. They were patrons of the arts and sciences, supporting scholars, poets, and philosophers. The Almohad period saw a flourishing of intellectual activity, particularly in the fields of philosophy and medicine.

One of the most notable figures of this era was [[Averroes]] (Ibn Rushd), a philosopher and polymath who made significant contributions to [[Aristotelian]] philosophy and Islamic theology. Averroes' works had a profound impact on both the Islamic world and medieval Europe, where his writings were translated into Latin and studied by Christian scholars.

The Almohads also made architectural contributions, with the construction of monumental buildings such as the [[Kutubiyya Mosque]] in Marrakesh and the [[Giralda]] in Seville. These structures exemplify the Almohad architectural style, characterized by its use of geometric patterns, intricate stucco work, and grandiose proportions.

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== Military Organization ==

The military organization of the Almohad dynasty was a key factor in its success and expansion. The Almohads maintained a formidable army composed of Berber tribesmen, Arab soldiers, and mercenaries. The core of the army was the Berber infantry, known for their discipline and loyalty to the Almohad cause.

The Almohads also utilized cavalry units, which played a crucial role in their military campaigns. The cavalry was composed of both light and heavy horsemen, equipped with lances, swords, and bows. The Almohad military strategy emphasized mobility and speed, allowing them to conduct swift and decisive campaigns against their enemies.

In addition to their land forces, the Almohads maintained a naval presence in the Mediterranean. Their fleet was instrumental in securing trade routes and projecting power across the sea, particularly during their campaigns in the Iberian Peninsula.

== Decline and Fall ==

The decline of the Almohad dynasty began in the late 12th century, following the death of Caliph [[Abu Ya'qub Yusuf]]. His successor, [[Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur]], managed to maintain the empire's stability and even achieved a significant victory against the Christian forces at the [[Battle of Alarcos]] in 1195. However, internal strife and external pressures soon weakened the Almohad state.

The Christian Reconquista in the Iberian Peninsula gained momentum, with the decisive [[Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa]] in 1212 marking a turning point. The defeat at Las Navas de Tolosa severely weakened the Almohad presence in Spain, leading to the gradual loss of their territories to the Christian kingdoms.

In North Africa, the Almohads faced challenges from rival Berber tribes and the rising power of the [[Marinid dynasty]]. By the mid-13th century, the Almohad empire had fragmented, and their territories were divided among various successor states. The fall of Marrakesh to the Marinids in 1269 marked the end of the Almohad dynasty as a political entity.

== Legacy ==

The Almohad dynasty left a lasting legacy in the Islamic world and beyond. Their religious reforms influenced subsequent Islamic movements and contributed to the development of Islamic theology. The Almohads' emphasis on education and scholarship fostered a vibrant intellectual culture that continued to thrive even after their political decline.

The architectural and cultural achievements of the Almohads are still evident today, with many of their monumental structures standing as testaments to their artistic and engineering prowess. The Almohad period also played a crucial role in shaping the history of the Iberian Peninsula, influencing the cultural and political landscape of medieval Spain.

== See Also ==

* [[Almoravid dynasty]]
* [[Ibn Tumart]]
* [[Averroes]]

[[Category:Almohad dynasty]]
[[Category:Islamic history]]
[[Category:Berber dynasties]]