The Age of al-Andalus (Age of the Andulus 2.0)

[XanXar]

Bump again. maybe third times lucky?

[Cuāuhtemōc]

Originally Posted by XanXar

Bump again. maybe third times lucky?

I didn't notice you updated!

Sorry! I'll read them right now.

And as a word of advice, I always PM my readers.

[XanXar]

Originally Posted by Cuāuhtemōc

I didn't notice you updated!

Sorry! I'll read them right now.

And as a word of advice, I always PM my readers.

good idea, maybe I should too.

[Cuāuhtemōc]

So far it's pretty good! No complaints!

[eliphas8]

I like this update but I fail to see how feudalism improves al-andalus, feudalism almost universally weakened the state and depowered central authority (and attempts at reform).

[XanXar]

Originally Posted by eliphas8

I like this update but I fail to see how feudalism improves al-andalus, feudalism almost universally weakened the state and depowered central authority (and attempts at reform).

It might weaken the state, but in the long run al-Andalus will benefit from. Let's compare TTL Emirate of Ishbylia to OTL Emirate of Cordoba as an example. Cordoba would often suffer periodic revolts based on tribal, ethnic and religous lines. But with a more clear division of power among the upper class, al-Andalus will have a much more stable power base.

[XanXar]

Originally Posted by Cu?uhtem?c

So far it's pretty good! No complaints!

Glad you liked it. No complaints whatsoever? How's version 2.0 comparing the first version of the TL?

[XanXar]

Like I said earlier on in the thread, I wanted to make an update on the Byzantines and the Siege of the Constantinople. But I'm not very knowledgeable on the subject, anyone have any suggestions,

[XanXar]

The sun shined brightly on the city of Damascus, the heart of the Umayyad Caliphate. The city was a bursting metropolis, the best city south of Constantinople (or in any other direction really). The city was the site of a typical Islamic city, the usual merchants in the market streets, the Caliphs Djund* guarding the city, and the many thieves and beggars roaming the city streets.

Though at the entrance of the city, is were the importance lies. A man on a horse strutted in to the city, his head covered with a veil, but of noble stature. A long black beard could be seen from underneath the veil, reaching to the mans chest. The strange man was surrounded by six or seven men, all looking fiercesome and courageous, carrying swords and the like. The man and his guards aroused suspicion by many the city's citizens, especially the Djund. The man and his guards walked cautiously through the city streets, becoming an eye sore whilst doing so.

The strange man was none other than Emir Abd al-Aziz, the hero of al-Andalus. The Emir had arranged a meeting with Caliph Umar, to discuss the future of al-Andalus. Ibn Musa murmured to one of his guards, Abu Talal, ''How long till we reach the palace? I can barely see anything past this veil''.

''Not long, my lord. You appear anxious, whats is the matter?''.

''This whole meeting idea, I've got a bad feeling about this. My father came to this city as a champion, and left as a poor man''.

''That was under Caliph Suleymen, this is Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz! The man is literally a saint, from what I've heard about him''.

''You seem to know all the answers Abu Talal, don't you?''. Abu Talal hushed, and continued on marching, with a sturn expession on his face.

The men arrived at the Umayyad Mosque, where Umar had arranged the meeting. The Mosque was was formerly the shrine dedicated to John the Baptist, honoured by both Muslims and Christians alike. The minarets stood high in the clouds, a tribute to the Islamic dominance of the Caliphate.
Umar led the prayer inside the Mosque, followed by many thousands of men and boys. Umar was a pious man, the model of the ideal Caliph. It had been said by many that he was fifth Rashidun Caliph, even by the Shi'ite who despised the Umayyad dynasty. Abd al-Aziz and his joined in with the prayer, joining in at the back row. After a few minutes, the prayer was over, the men had said their Salam** and done there Du'wah***, it was time for business. Umar looked at Abd al-Aziz, knowing it was him underneath the veil. Abd al-Aziz and his men followed the Caliph and his guards, to a secluded room within the Mosque.

''So we finally meet, Abd al-Aziz, is it?''.

''Thats right, its good to finally meet you, Amīr al-Mu'minīn****''.

''The same to you, Emir.''.

''Its good to finally see a Caliph who is honest, unlike your predeseccr...''.
Abd al-Aziz quietly chuckled, realising the inappropriateness of his statement.

''Its not good to insult the dead, my friend''. This caused Abd al-Aziz to get back to his original thought of mind.

''Enough of the formalities, let's get to the point. You want al-Andalus, I want al-Andalus, how are we going to sort things out?''. Umar stroked his beard, and began smoking some Hasheesh.

''There is a solution, Emir. You see, I've heard about your Vassalic system, that your implementing over in al-Andalus''.

Abd al-Aziz looked bewildered at Umars comment, ''I don't understand what your trying to say''.

''You can keep your emirate, but under my conditions. al-Andalus becomes a Vassal of the Caliphate, Ibn Musa. You give us tribute every year or so, and Ishbylia stays alive. Sound good to you?''.

''What about my own Vassals, how are they affected?''.

''You may keep them, just remember the terms of our agreement''.

Abd al-Aziz looked gladly at Umar, realising the wisdom in his eyes, he truely was the fifth Rashidun. Umar took some more Hasheesh and put it in his pipe.

''Of course. Blessing and safety upon you, oh Amīr al-Mu'minīn.''

The two men began to shake hands, both content with the outcome of the meeting. Abd al-Aziz put back on his veil, and left the room along with his men.

Even today, Caliph Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz is one of the few respected Caliphs in al-Andalus's history, and mainly because of events such as these. He truely was a legendary figure.

* Islamic army unit

** A greeting at the end of the prayer, to what s believed to be two angels on the shoulders of the person praying

*** The point after prayer where the person doing prayer actually asks God for what he/she wants

**** Meaning Leader of the Faithful, formal title for a Caliph

[MNP]

Being interested in the Umayyads I am looking forward to future developments involving them. Since at once point the Caliphs considered just abandoning Al-Andalus this strikes me as a decent agreement.

However, historically, the emirs of Ifriqiya appointed the Al-Andalus governors (that is, they legitimized it even when it was the Andalusi Muslims choice) until Abd ar-Rahman. Does this mean that Al-Andalus is going to be considered a full province not subject to any other governor except the Caliph? That might piss off whoever rules in Ifriqiya. You should also probably include the Fihrids who are making their marks. In OTL they represented the interests of the Andalusi Muslims against foreigners but their role might be different now. The history of the Fihrids I presented here is accurate until 750.

ED: Since there was no assassination of Abd al-Aziz, Habib might have been executed. If so, then Ibn Habib and the Fihrids will likely hate the guts of the ruling family.

[Cuāuhtemōc]

Again, a good update. I don't have much to criticize since I'm not as knowledgeable as MNP but I look forward to much more.

[XanXar]

Originally Posted by MNP

Being interested in the Umayyads I am looking forward to future developments involving them. Since at once point the Caliphs considered just abandoning Al-Andalus this strikes me as a decent agreement.

However, historically, the emirs of Ifriqiya appointed the Al-Andalus governors (that is, they legitimized it even when it was the Andalusi Muslims choice) until Abd ar-Rahman. Does this mean that Al-Andalus is going to be considered a full province not subject to any other governor except the Caliph? That might piss off whoever rules in Ifriqiya. You should also probably include the Fihrids who are making their marks. In OTL they represented the interests of the Andalusi Muslims against foreigners but their role might be different now. The history of the Fihrids I presented here is accurate until 750.

Glad you liked it, more on the Umayyads to come, as well as the continueing story of Al-Muhallab. I wont forget the Fihrids, but there relationship with the Andalusi are going to be completely different.

Al-Andalus will have a unique position within the Caliphate, and it will be under the direct supervision of the Caliph himself.

@Cuauhtemoc Glad you liked it as well, even if you don't know much about this period, I don't plan on having a butterfly net around MesoAmerica, so I'm definitely going to need your help when the time comes.

[XanXar]

Originally Posted by MNP

ED: Since there was no assassination of Abd al-Aziz, Habib might have been executed. If so, then Ibn Habib and the Fihrids will likely hate the guts of the ruling family.

Which Ruling Family, the Umayyads or Nusayrids(?) ?.

[Cuāuhtemōc]

Originally Posted by XanXar

Glad you liked it, more on the Umayyads to come, as well as the continueing story of Al-Muhallab. I wont forget the Fihrids, but there relationship with the Andalusi are going to be completely different.

Al-Andalus will have a unique position within the Caliphate, and it will be under the direct supervision of the Caliph himself.

@Cuauhtemoc Glad you liked it as well, even if you don't know much about this period, I don't plan on having a butterfly net around MesoAmerica, so I'm definitely going to need your help when the time comes.

I'll be happy to lend a hand with any way I can but I advise that you speak to 9 Fanged Hummingbird. I know a bit more about Mesoamerica than the average member but he's the guy you should really talk to.

[XanXar]

Originally Posted by Cuāuhtemōc

I'll be happy to lend a hand with any way I can but I advise that you speak to 9 Fanged Hummingbird. I know a bit more about Mesoamerica than the average member but he's the guy you should really talk to.

Thanks, I'll be sure to take note.

[MNP]

Originally Posted by XanXar

Which Ruling Family, the Umayyads or Nusayrids(?) ?.

The current rulers of Al-Andalus, so Nusayrids.

[XanXar]

Originally Posted by MNP

The current rulers of Al-Andalus, so Nusayrids.

So we're going with Nusayrids as the name, sounds pretty good. Musaids or AbdalAzizids didn't sounds very good, so Nusayrids it is.

[MNP]

Originally Posted by XanXar

So we're going with Nusayrids as the name, sounds pretty good. Musaids or AbdalAzizids didn't sounds very good, so Nusayrids it is.

Nusayris are what the Alawites used to be called, for Muhammad ibn Nusayr, so Nusayrids would probably work. Nusrids might also be an option (similar to Nasir/Nasrids of Granada).

[God-Eater of the Marshes]

A good update. Things really seem to be progressing in this timeline, and as a fellow newcomer, I say "bien fait!".

[XanXar]

Originally Posted by God-Eater of the Marshes

A good update. Things really seem to be progressing in this timeline, and as a fellow newcomer, I say "bien fait!".

Glad you liked it as well.

Also, how is everyone liking the varied styles of writing?, in comparison to the previous version, which only had one style (But everyone seemed to really like it).