The City of Akshuania: A Study of General Conditions

Abstract

The study examines the city of Akshuania, one of the most prominent cities of Al-Andalus, distinguished by its strategic location in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula on the Atlantic coast. Conquered by Muslims during the Islamic conquests, it featured numerous fortresses with Shalab as its capital and was known by various names such as Akshuwaniya and Akhshunba. Politically, it was captured by Musa bin Nusayr and Tariq bin Ziyad, with a contingent of Egyptian soldiers stationed there. However, the city witnessed unrest, including the Muwallad movement, and fell under Spanish and Portuguese invasions in the 7th century AH. Economically, Akshunba flourished due to its moderate climate and fertile soil, becoming a significant agricultural hub known for olives, fruits, and amber, particularly during the reigns of the Almoravids and Almohads, despite the negative impact of conflicts and invasions. The unification of Morocco and Al-Andalus and the securing of trade routes further boosted commerce and industry. Culturally, Akshunba was renowned for its poets, writers, and scholars, who contributed to its fame and intellectual growth. The city thrived until the 7th century AH when it fell to the Portuguese and is now known as Faro.