The Abbasids / The Aghlabids: Shield of the Abbasid Dynasty

‘Ifriqiya became the main link for trade between the East and West, and between al-Andalus and the Sudan.’

The Aghlabids built several architectural landmarks in Kairouan, Monastir, Sousse and Tunis. Ifriqiya became the main link for trade between the East and West, and between al-Andalus and the Sudan. Ifriqiya’s agricultural and other industries, such as textile weaving and ceramics, prospered. The downfall of the Aghlabids was due mainly to the frivolity and profligacy which dominated the rule of Ziyadat Allah III (290–6 / 903–9), which prompted the people of Ifriqiya to withdraw their support, and led in turn to the fall of Ifriqiya – with no resistance – to the Fatimids.

NameDynastyDetailsJustification
Coin (dinar)Hegira 192 / AD 808AghlabidMuseum of Islamic Art
Raqqada, Kairouan, Tunisia
This Aghlabid dinar was struck at Kairouan; it followed the Abbasid model, but was struck with Aghlabid-style kufic script.
Carved wood fragmentHegira 242–9 / AD 856–63AghlabidMuseum of Islamic Art
Raqqada, Kairouan, Tunisia
A carved-wood fragment that comes from the minbar (pulpit) presented to the Great Mosque of Kairouan by the Aghlabid prince Abu Ibrahim Ahmed (r. 242–9 / 856–63).
Great Mosque of SousseHegira 236–47 / AD 851–62AghlabidSousse, TunisiaBuilt by the Aghlabid Prince Abu al-'Abbas Muhammad in 236 / 851, it stands close to the Ribat of Sousse with its high tower that was used as a minaret.
NameDynastyDetailsJustification
Great Mosque of SousseHegira 236–47 / AD 851–62AghlabidSousse, TunisiaInterior view of the Great Mosque of Sousse showing an arched prayer hall.
Great Mosque of SousseHegira 236–47 / AD 851–62AghlabidSousse, TunisiaView of the open courtyard at the Great Mosque of Sousse showing a staircase ascending to the outer walls near the tower (minaret).
Sousse RibatHegira 256 / AD 821AghlabidSousse, TunisiaFacing the Great Mosque of Sousse, the ribat's tower or minaret. The ribat accommodated a garrison of warrior-Sufi mystics that had dedicated themselves to jihad – defending the shores of Ifriqiya.
NameDynastyDetailsJustification
Sousse RibatHegira 256 / AD 821AghlabidSousse, TunisiaPlan of the Ribat of Sousse.