Was it ever possible for the Marinid dynasty of Morocco to extend its control over Spain like the earlier Almoravids and Almohads did? If so, what are the short-term and long-term effects of continued Maghribi influence and control in al-Andalus? Does this prolong the existence of Islamic control in Spain?
Marinid al-Andalus?
- Thread starter Huehuecoyotl
- Start date
Its possible, however by this stage in Spain, there's no real existing Muslim community to back up the Berber invaders, outside of Granada of course. Historically the Marinids did hold territory in Iberia, but had quickly lost it. If for some reason, Castille begins raiding across Gilbraltor, then perhaps the Marinids could retaliate and launch a counter-invasion.
The short term affects would be that (obviously) Al-Andalus survives longer and Iberia remains (more) divided for longer.
The butterflies could include some sort of alliance between the Marinids and an Ottoman analogue, both working together to control each side of the Mediteranean, that would be an interesting scenario.
This also means a higher Berber population in Al-Andalus, which could lead to the older ethnic tensions of previous states in Muslim Iberia.
One wonders if the Ottomans might send troops to help their co-religionists hold onto Al-Andalus?
Bruce