Almoravid Dynasty, ʿAlī ibn Yūsuf with heir Emir Sīr, AR Quirate

1128-1139 AD

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Article code: 25-3743
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The Almoravids were originally a confederation of Sanhaja Berber tribes from the western Sahara. During the 11th century, they established an extensive Empire encompassing Morocco, parts of Algeria and a large part of Islamic Iberia. Their capital was Marrakesh, which developed into an important political, commercial and religious centre.

ʿAlī ibn Yūsuf succeeded his father, Yūsuf ibn Tāshfīn, in 1106. During the early part of his long reign, the Almoravid Empire reached its greatest territorial extent. He adopted the title Amīr al-Muslimīn (“Commander of the Muslims”) rather than the caliphal title Amīr al-Muʾminīn.

Unlike Almoravid gold dinars, which generally bear a date and mint name, the small silver quirats were usually issued without either. Their inscriptions and the rulers or heirs named on them are therefore essential for classification and dating.

This qirat names ʿAlī’s son Sīr as al-Amīr, indicating his position as designated heir. Sīr was appointed heir in 522 AH (1128 AD), but died in 533 AH (1138–1139 AD), after which his brother Tāshfīn became the successor. The inclusion of Sīr’s name consequently allows this otherwise undated coin to be assigned quite precisely to 522–533 AH (1128–1139 AD).