After the fall of the Almoravids, Morocco enjoyed a new era of prosperity under the Almohad dynasty. This dynasty, founded in the 12th century, established Morocco as a regional and international power, with influence extending far beyond the borders of the Maghreb. The Almohads left their mark on Moroccan history with their policy of centralization, their religious reforms and their grandiose architectural achievements.
The Almohad movement was initiated by Ibn Tumart, a religious reformer from the High Atlas. Preaching a return to the purity of Islam, he criticized the excesses of the Almoravids and rallied many Berber tribes around him. After his death, his successor, Abd al-Mumin, succeeded in unifying the Berber tribes under his banner and overthrowing the Almoravids, thus establishing the Almohad caliphate.
The Almohads pursued a policy of rapid expansion, conquering not only Morocco, but also Andalusia, Tunisia and part of present-day Libya. Their empire stretched from the Sahara to the Ebro, covering a vast geographical area and encompassing diverse cultures and populations. This expansion enabled Morocco to play a key role in commercial and cultural exchanges between Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
Underthe Almohads, Morocco enjoyed a veritable cultural and intellectual golden age. The capital, Marrakech, became a center of influence for the arts, sciences and philosophy. The Almohads encouraged the construction of spectacular monuments such as the Koutoubia in Marrakech, the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat. These buildings, marked by monumental and refined architecture, became symbols of Almohad grandeur.
In terms of religion, the Almohads imposed strict Islamic orthodoxy, eradicating religious practices they considered deviant. They also centralized the administration of the empire, setting up an efficient, centralized system of government. This policy of centralization strengthened the power of the caliphate, but also generated tensions with local populations, particularly in Andalusia.
Despite their power, the Almohads faced major challenges, including the rise of Christian kingdoms in Spain and internal revolts. The battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212, where the Almohads suffered a decisive defeat at the hands of Christian forces, marked the beginning of the empire’s decline. By the middle of the 13th century, the Almohad caliphate had collapsed, giving way to the political fragmentation of the Maghreb and Andalusia.
However, the Almohads’ influence endured long after their decline. Their architectural, cultural and religious heritage left a profound mark on Morocco and the whole of the Maghreb. What’s more, their model of centralized power inspired the dynasties that succeeded them.
The Almohads were an outstanding dynasty in Moroccan history, characterized by territorial expansion, exceptional cultural influence and centralization of power. Their influence is still felt today in Morocco’s political and cultural landscape.
