One Dead Man For A One Andalus

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Prologue
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One of the turning points of the history of the Andalusian peninsula is none other than the rise of the Taifa of Cordoba into something else that have not been seen throughout the Islamic world. As Al-Andalus broke down, Taifas rose from the ashes from the Ummayad Caliphates, ranging from the Aftasids, to the Grenadans. All of them, however, bow down to a Emir, or even, a Sultan. All of them dreaming for a future where Allah once again dominates the minds of the people of Al-Andalus. Alas. As the Ummayad broke down, it is clear that the rise of the Castillans, to the Catalans-are inevitable, as those who are supposedly united under the graces of Allah, now fights each other for supremacy, one hand on other's throats. It is clear, that the Christian forces are taking this advantage none other than to take out the Islamic forces one by one, slowly, but sure. The Taifa of Cordoba, in the other hand, became a wild card. Became something else. As Abu'l Hazm Jahwar decides that things are better with a collective mind and decisions, Abu'l Hazm have effectively abandoned every single traditions that the emirs and sultans of the Islamic world have been doing for decades of years, and instead, he gave powers, to people who is deemed as competent. It is clear, that Abu'l Hazm are heading for something else in his mind. A government where the voice of the people is heard. All, within equal bounds.

And thus, the Taifa of Cordoba is born. Born from the ashes of the Caliphate, the Taifa of Cordoba rises, championing the rights and the voices of the people as its strongest power. By delegating his powers to people who hold the titles akin to a "Minister", the Taifa of Cordoba rose up as one of the prominent Taifas of the Andalus, with their 'Democracy" being flaunted off. Yet, everything ages. Abu'l Hazm ages. What one could do?

Probably, his sons would continue his achievements. But this is a dog eats dog world. No one is safe, from such kind of conflicts. Abu'l Hazm is on a crossroads. Its either his sons, or this Taifa. What could he do? What sacrifices he could make? Or he will make?

Tell that to the dead body of Abu'l Malik.
His death became a pivotal moment, that changed the faces of the Islamic World, Europe, and even the world, by some extent.

AUDIE'S MADHOUSE PRESENTS
A TIMELINE BY AUDIE

ONE DEAD MAN FOR A ONE ANDALUS
 
Interesting POD.

A surviving al-Andalus is much harder to achieve during the taifa period, in part because of how much ground the Christians can gain against divided opposition, and the Taifa of Cordoba is in a particularly difficult position because of the damage done to its infrastructure and citizenry by the fitna. At this point, Seville is the centre of prominence in the divided al-Andalus - a problem given that Cordoba was the Andalusian economy. You can save it through the Almoravids or even the Almohads, but it'd be a province in a greater Berber Empire.

I'll be interested in how you make this work.
 

Deleted member 67076

I wonder if you could get the urban militias of Cordoba to become a standing army, that would probably be a good start in helping the survivability of Al Andalus.
 
I wonder if you could get the urban militias of Cordoba to become a standing army, that would probably be a good start in helping the survivability of Al Andalus.
*NO SPOILERS GIVEN*
Interesting POD.

A surviving al-Andalus is much harder to achieve during the taifa period, in part because of how much ground the Christians can gain against divided opposition, and the Taifa of Cordoba is in a particularly difficult position because of the damage done to its infrastructure and citizenry by the fitna. At this point, Seville is the centre of prominence in the divided al-Andalus - a problem given that Cordoba was the Andalusian economy. You can save it through the Almoravids or even the Almohads, but it'd be a province in a greater Berber Empire.

I'll be interested in how you make this work.
Who says that the Taifa of Cordoba WILL became somethign that will work alongside fellow Muslims?
Interesting, I've been waiting for a good "No Spain" thread. This looks like it might be the one! Hope to see more.

Regards,
John Braungart
Who says that there will be NO Spain? Just saying, maybe, for the time being. :D
 
I wonder if you could get the urban militias of Cordoba to become a standing army, that would probably be a good start in helping the survivability of Al Andalus.
It'd take some doing.

An urban militia was actually tried during the fitna. It was not well-trained or well-organized. The superior skill and training of the Berbers resulted in the militia being butchered. Histories of the time spoke of it as a laughingstock.
 

Deleted member 67076

An urban militia was actually tried during the fitna. It was not well-trained or well-organized. The superior skill and training of the Berbers resulted in the militia being butchered. Histories of the time spoke of it as a laughingstock.
Interesting. What made the Berber training so much more superior than trying a standing professional army?
 
Interesting. What made the Berber training so much more superior than trying a standing professional army?
They had no real time to train the army, and as a rule, the Arabo-Andalusians were reluctant to empower the oft-rebellious natives. The Berbers were usually brought over in cohesive tribal units with familial and clan loyalties to each other; especially under Almanzor, they were brought in entire clans at a time and paid to wage the jihad on Almanzor's behalf. The Berbers were the Andalusian "professional army."
 
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CHAPTER ONE: WHEN THE MAN COMES AROUND
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1040 A.D-1042 A.D (431-433 Hijri)

Possibly, the most detrimental event that happened during the history of the world, and also the Taifa of Cordoba, is none other than the death of Abu'l Malik. Abu'l Hazm's son, in the end, is killed by his own brother, and also, by various extensions, also at Abu'l Hazm's hands. Something that Abu'l Hazm will regret, and also relish, knowing what man Abu'l Malik is. Abu'l Malik's death was never something that many knew on the era, even during the 1800's, where records regarding the incident is fairly minimum at its best. Yet, discoveries have mentioned that Abu'l Malik's death took place during the 1040's, due to it being solely based from the fact that there are no mentions of Abu'l Malik on any contemporary, and also non-contemporary sources starting from that year. Many theories regarding Abu'l Malik's death surfaces, with the most popular of them all being Abu'l Walid being personally executing his own brother. Regardless, Abu'l Malik's death have effectively taken out what could possibly will shook the Taifa's future, and also, securing Abu'l Walid's position, as his father's successor. The ailing man, finally, could finally abdicates in peace, something that Abu'l Hazm planned, yet will not ever officially done, as his reign will be over during his death on 10th April, 1042. Nothing of importance is known, following Abu'l Malik's death, as not only after Abu'l Walid's ascension, that the history of Cordoba, and beyond is affected wholefully.

Eventually, Abu'l Hazm's death became something that is mourned, and also cheered by many. People inside the Taifa cried, for the death of the benevolent Emir. Yet people outside the Taifa began to cheer, believing that this could be the end of the Taifa, and a scramble will commence, contesting everything over the region.

But of course. Abu'l Walid does not want to let his beloved father's legacy go. He does not want a force mimicking the Ummayads of the past to be reborn. He believed, that his father have set things up for him, and by so, he must carry on the torch. Abu'l Walid does not only succeeds his father, yet, also changed things up for the best, and also for the worst.

All began when he proclaimed the establishment of the Almajlis of Cordoba. A state where Abu'l Hazm's movement towards a "Republican" form of government will be carried out greatly. And Abu'l Walid's first move, is none other, than to root all the factions of Cordoba, starting with the ones who spoke loyally for the Caliph. Abu'l Walid's sure, that fighting for a religion, is not a effective way to unite the people of Andalus. He knew, that he will not bow to anyone sooner or later.
 
I'm wondering how republic will be called in this TL in arabic, especially since it will be a product of an islamic culture?
Jumhuriyat Qurtuba maybe? And the president could still be called Amir/Emir.
 
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1042 AD (433 Hijri)

A Republic. A Islamic Republic. A Republican form of government in a Islamic land. It is a oddity, afterall, on how this could happen, and be executed. But Abu'l Walid managed to do it right. Yet, it all came with a price. Knowing very well that he could not fight his neighbors under a democratic form, Abu'l Walid suspends any motion of democracy afterwards, yet, with resassurances in form of a total governmental reform, where the Almajlis itself elects various individuals as the Almajistir, which acted not like, yet still similar to what a minister do. Yet this time, Abu'l Walid put his leashes first, knowing very well that democracy were not sufficient enough for his conquests. And within this Majlis, there are also the Walis of the Mintaqs, as Abu'l Walid divided Cordoba into three districts, despite those districts are only named as "North, Central, and South", due to the conditions being "Unviable" for him. Yet, his primary focus is none other than his government, where the records mentioned the form, and structure of government being known as written below. These, for the sake of simolicity, are already translated to English. Yet, it is also to be noted, that his Almajlistirs and the Wali of the Mintaqs are still unknown, up to this point.

"Head of the Almajlis of Qurtubah, Abu'l Walid Jahwar bin Hazm
Almajistir of War
Almajistir of Defense
Almajistir of Godly Issues
Almajistir of the People
Almajistir of Knowledge
Almajistir of Commerce
Almajistir of Building
Wali of the Mintaqs"
More reforms, eventually goes underway, as within a year, Abu'l Walid effectively established his order amongst the people of Cordoba. And like a thunder, Abu'l Walid started everything from the conception of a society where a equality amongst religions are seen. A move that is controversial to many, Abu'l Walid does not enact the Jizya at his lands, knowing that his only safe bet for now is to approach the heathens and heretics, hoping to use their knowledge and manpower, in order to expand his control over the lands of Andalus. His second move is also rather controversial. After exiling/purging most of the government's elements from the loyalists of the Caliph, Abu'l Walid elects his own "Grand Imam", "Cardinal", and "High Rabbi", in order to solidify his control over the clerics. Ironically enough, however, this move is only receiving positive receptions from the Jews. With this, Abu'l Walid decided to do something else that is unthinkable to many, not even to the Christians. Despite giving freedom to the non-Islamic religions, Abu'l Walid also put leashes over them, with the hidden increased tariffs, and also the allowance of the Jews to assume public offices. In the end, this rather-controversial move eventually attracted attention from its neighbors, yet, not towards dangerous levels.

 
Just a suggestion from an arab speaker about the spelling:
You don't need the arabic article when you use the english article. It just doesn't sound right. Just use one of them
Example:
the Majlis
or
Almajlis
or
L'majlis
 
Just a suggestion from an arab speaker about the spelling:
You don't need the arabic article when you use the english article. It just doesn't sound right. Just use one of them
Example:
the Majlis
or
Almajlis
or
L'majlis
Ah! Thank you..it will be useful for the next update. But yeah, the Almajlis is what a republic will be called.
 
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