Ghazwiyya ibn Yusuf
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Ghazwiyya ibn Yusuf | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Fatimid Da'i | |
| In office 893–909 | |
| Commander of the Fatimid army | |
| In office 893–915 | |
| Head of Security | |
| In office 909–915 | |
| Governor of Kutama and Baghai and Béja | |
| In office 911–915 | |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 915 |
| Children | Muhammad ibn Ghazwiyya |
| Parent |
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| Relatives |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Fatimid Caliphate |
| Branch/service | Fatimid army |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars |
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Ghazwiyya ibn Yusuf or Aruba bin Yusuf,[2] also known as Ghazwiyya ibn Yusuf al-Malusi al-Kutami, was a Berber military commander, governor, and a Fatimid Da‘i from the Kutama tribe.[3] He was among the founding leaders of the Fatimid army, and was instrumental in the establishment of the early Fatimid Empire in Ikjan and Tazrut.[3] He governed the province of Beja, Baghai and Kutama,[4][5] led multiple campaigns during the Fatimid conquests of Ifriqiya, Tahert, and Tripoli,[6] contributed to the consolidation and establishment of the caliphate. Ghazwiyya served as chief of security for Caliph Ubayd Allah, being among his most trusted associates.[7]
Ghazwiyya bin Yusuf, also known as Ghazwiyya bin Yusuf al-Malusi, is considered one of the founding leaders of the Fatimid State. He was surnamed "al-Malusi" in reference to the clan of "Malusa," which is one of the largest branches of the Kutama Berber tribe that inhabited the fortified highlands of eastern Algeria.[8]
According to the genealogical authentication of the scholar Ibn Khaldun, the Malusa descend from the Banu Titasen bin Gharsan, sharing common ancestry with the clans of Iyan, Lataya, Ijjana, Ghasman, and Aurbast; among them are the "Banu Zidwi" who inhabited the mountains overlooking Constantine.[9]
The geographical sphere of influence for the Malusa and its sub-tribes extends from Mount Zouaghi in Constantine, passing through the cities of Mila and Setif, and reaching as far as Jijel. Historically, they were concentrated in the peaks of the Tell Atlas in Sidi Mimoun and Babor.[8] These regions formed the military strike force and the strategic launching point for Ghazwiya's movements toward Ikjan and Tazrut, leading to their conquests in Ifriqiya.[2]
Ismaili Dawah (893–909)
Ghazwiya bin Yusuf is considered one of the earliest believers in the Isma'ili Dawah and among its most prominent spreaders. Following its inception in the land of Kutama, the Fatimid missionaries and leaders faced fierce opposition from alliances of other Kutama branches, including Ajana, Lataya, and the inhabitants of Mila and Setif. These groups allied with the Aghlabid governors loyal to the Abbasids against the Fatimids, forming a massive army led by the commander of Masalta, Fath bin Yahya.[10] As they besieged the Fatimid capital, Tazrut,[11][12] Ghazwiya along with the Da'is and Mashayikh hid Abu Abd Allah in a secure location under heavy guard. During the first day of the siege, no Fatimid soldiers were harmed, while one of the enemy's horsemen was killed. In the battle that ensued the following day, the casualties were far more severe for the opponents; many were killed, while the Awliya remained safe.[10]
On the third day, the fighting intensified, and Ghazwiyya's bravery became evident. He fought valiantly among the infantry and sustained a wound so severe it caused him to lose his voice.[10] Ultimately, the Fatimids achieved a complete victory. The Allies forces scattered; some retreated to Mila, while the tribes returned to their respective territories.[10] On the fourth day, Ghazwiyya and Abu Abd Allah launched an attack on the troops of Setif and the neighboring Kutama clans, defeating them. The following day, they struck the soldiers of Mazata, inflicting a crushing defeat and seizing all their wealth. These Fatimid conquests led to a massive influx of the Kutama people towards the state to pledge their allegiance and join its ranks.[10]
