The Islamic conquest of Morocco did not happen quickly. Unlike the rapid conquests of regions such as Syria, Egypt, Iraq, and Persia, the conquest of the Maghreb took more than half a century — approximately 50 to 70 years (from around 670 to 740 CE).
This long duration raises an important question:
Why did the conquest of Morocco take so much longer than other regions?
Why Did the Islamic Conquest of Morocco Take 70 Years?
Several key factors explain the slow and difficult nature of the conquest:
1. Distance from the Center of the Islamic State
Morocco was far from the political centers of the Islamic world, first Medina and later Damascus under the Umayyads.
This long distance made it difficult to:
- send reinforcements
- maintain supply lines
- coordinate military campaigns
As a result, armies in North Africa often operated with limited support.
2. Lack of Geographic Knowledge
Arab-Muslim armies had no prior knowledge of the Maghreb.
Unlike the Levant or Iraq, which were already connected to earlier trade and military routes, Morocco was a relatively unknown territory.
This forced armies to advance slowly and cautiously, learning the terrain as they progressed.
3. Difficult Geography and Terrain
The geography of Morocco played a major role:
- mountain ranges (Atlas Mountains)
- rugged terrain
- coastal fortifications
Arab cavalry, used to open and flat terrain, struggled in these conditions.
This significantly slowed military movement and strategy.
4. Absence of a Centralized State
Unlike Persia or Byzantium, Morocco did not have a single centralized authority.
Instead, it was composed of independent Amazigh (Berber) tribes, each with its own leadership.
This meant:
- no decisive battle to end resistance
- armies had to subdue each tribe separately
- constant need to reassert control
This process alone extended the conquest for decades.
5. Byzantine Strongholds Along the Coast
The Byzantine Empire still controlled several fortified coastal cities in North Africa.
These strongholds:
- were heavily defended
- received naval support
- required long sieges to capture
This added another layer of resistance beyond local tribes.
6. Internal Conflicts in the Islamic World
The conquest of Morocco coincided with major internal crises:
- The First Fitna (656–661 CE) during the time of Caliph Ali
- The rebellion of Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr
- Kharijite revolts
These conflicts weakened the central state and diverted military resources away from North Africa.
7. Limited Military Numbers
The armies involved in the conquest were relatively small.
-
The largest force reached about 40,000 soldiers under Hassan ibn al-Nu'man during his campaigns against Dihya (al-Kahina)
-
Earlier campaigns involved much smaller forces
This limited manpower slowed the pace of expansion.
8. Resistance and Alliances
There was strong resistance from local populations:
- alliances between Byzantines and Amazigh tribes
- repeated revolts after initial submission
According to Ibn Khaldun, some Berber tribes rebelled up to 12 times, forcing repeated campaigns to regain control.
Results of the Islamic Conquest of Morocco
Despite its long duration, the conquest led to major transformations:
Gradual Territorial Control
Muslim forces progressively gained control over different regions, building experience in both land and naval warfare against Byzantines and local resistance.
Conversion of Amazigh Tribes
Many Amazigh tribes gradually adopted Islam and later played an active role in further expansions, especially into Al-Andalus (Spain).
Establishment of Arab Centers
Cities like Kairouan became key administrative and military centers, marking the beginning of long-term Arab presence in North Africa.
Spread of Arabic Language and Administration
- Arabic became the language of administration
- Islamic governance structures were introduced
- integration into the wider Islamic world began
Cultural and Religious Transformation
Islamic scholars and jurists contributed to:
- spreading Islamic teachings
- establishing religious institutions
- promoting Arabic as the language of religion
The Islamic conquest of Morocco was not a single event but a long and complex process shaped by geography, politics, and resistance.
Its duration — nearly 70 years — reflects the unique conditions of the Maghreb, where decentralized societies, difficult terrain, and external alliances made conquest far more challenging than in other regions.
Sources
- Ahmad ibn Khalid al-Nasiri — Al-Istiqsa li Akhbar Duwal al-Maghrib al-Aqsa
- Lectures of Professor Mohamed El-Maghraoui — Mohammed V University, Rabat
- Ahmed Azzawi — A Brief History of the Western Islamic World
- Ibrahim Harakat — Morocco Through History
0 Comments