- ARCHIVE - The Sultanate Court of Algeria

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The Sultanate Court of Algeria

The Royal Court of the

Almohad Empire of Algeria

Host of the Imperial Almohad Court
(Details of the Almohad Court in the next post, this is the Algerian Court)​

The Citadel at Tlemcen​

Tlemcen has prospered as a commercial center and has been named by poets as the "Pearl of the Maghrib." Situated at the head of the Imperial Road through the strategic Taza Gap to Marrakech, the city controls the caravan route to Sijilmasa, gateway for the gold and slave trade with the Sudan in the east and everything west. It was here, that after the fall of the Almohad Empire, the Zayyanids consolidated remaining power and ruled what what was left of western civilization.

The Land​

​

Nation: Algiers
Head of State: Amira Yasmine Mohammed, Sultana of the Zayyanid Caliphate & Almohad Emperess, successor to her brother [anchorlink=Akbe]Akbe Mohammed[/anchorlink]
Player: heagarty

Official Religion: Sunni Muslim
Minor Religions: Shi'a, Judaism, Christians (greek and eastern)
Majority Culture: Berber
Minority Cultures: Arabs, Mujahirs (from Al-Andalus), Greeks (from Thrace)
Languages: Berber, Arabic, Ibero-dialects

Stats:
Provinces: 10
Ports: 5
Owned: Al Djazair, Orania, Atlas, Aures, Kabylia, Toubkal, Sahara, the Baleares, Tangiers, Fez
Annexations of Eastern Roman Empire, Morocco +1 Technology, Fez
+4 eco Loan from [bank]
+1 eco Loan from Kaliphate
-1 tech, -1 morale Missed Opportunity (expires Jul-Sep 1453)
+1 tech, +5 LM Islam Resplendant (expires Jul-Sep 1454)
+1 morale battle of Toubkal
+6 LM, +3SM, +1 tech (for 10 eco) war investments

The History​

The fall of the Almohads saw a rise of several succesor states, the most powerful and influential of these arose in the central Maghrib, the Zayanids. The Zayanids, the true succesors and claimants to the lands of the Almohads, founded a new bastion for the dynasty at Tlemcen. Based on a Zenata tribe, the Bani Abd el Wad, which had been settled in the region by Abd al Mumin, the Zayanids quickly established supremacy due to their natural strength, good looks, faith in Allah, and rightiousness in their claim on the Almohad throne.

Rulers of Almohad Algeria:
1452- CE [anchorlink=yas]Amira Yasmine Mohammed[/anchorlink] (heagarty, post-Blade!)
1443-52 (took throne of Morocco, still Emperor over Algeria) [anchorlink=akbe]Sultan Akbe Mohammed[/anchorlink] (Blade!)
1437-43 Sultan Abu'l-Abbas Ahmad II (chris8b)
1434-37 Emir Khalid Abdul-Rashid (Ancient Pharao)
1432-34 Sultan Abd Roukashi (Lars)
1431-32 Sir Kareem Abdul (Seductive Queen)
1428-31 Sultan Hasan bin Mohammed (Zalman)
1427-28 Sultan Abu'l-Abbas Ahmed I (Martinus)
1425-27 Emir Abu Abdallah Mohammed III (Yoghurt)

In 1425, as tens of thousands of Jews and Muslims crossed the ocean to Algeria fleeing Al-Andalus from hairy northmen of the Castillian tribe, the Algerian Sultan Abu Abdallah Mohammed III acted quickly protecting those poor souls (now known as Muhajirs), employing them in his own service, and preserving the knowledge they brought.

From their mighty citadel in Tlemcen in the provence of Al Djazair, the Zayyanid Caliphate arose as a beacon of hope in the Islamic world. The labeling of the Caliphate was made in 1437 by Abu'l-Abbas Ahmad (see the old Royal Court in the port of Al-Jaza’ir, who moved the court out of the citadel and down towards the port.

The Flag of Sultan Ahmad

It was this harnassing of Mujahir tragedy that many scholars say allowed the old Sultan and his son Sultan, then Prince and Sharif of Oran, Akbe Mohammed to cripple the barbarian hordes in 1439, when armies of native Algerians and Mujahirs sacked Constantinople in what Sultan Akbe Mohammed termed the "1rst Mujahir Crusade." Freeing the Byzantines from an unenlightened barbarian rule, the Zayyanid Caliphate turned over the city to the rightious and noble Turks who followed the path of the Prophet, peace be upon him.

Having preformed well in the 1st Crusade, Prince Akbe returned to the citadel with barbarian artisians, a new consort, and workers in tow, and was crowned Sultan by his aged father in 1443 who departed for the Hedjaz and meditation in retirement. The court was moved back to the Citadel in Tlemcen where Akbe Mohammed had been upgrading the structure. The Sultan has since set about reforming the military, integrating the mujahirs into society, building the harem, and planning for the future of the Zayyanid Caliphate, its Algerian holdings, and its people. To this end, he put forth to the Almohad States, as Premeire of the Almohad Throne, an Almohad Compact to draw the states of the Maghrib and Andalusia together.

The Flag of Sultan Akbe Mohammed

In early 1449, Morocco broke the Almohad Unity Pact and made ready for war against Almohad Fez. Almohad Fez and Algeria pulled together, and Fez came into vassalship of the Holy Almohad Emperor, Akbe Mohammed, who rallied forth to the field of battle. The rebellious Morocco fell back under Almohad authority, and its Emirship was taken directly by Akbe Mohammed.

At this time, the Caliph had died, and the Ulama at the end of 1449, bid that the Islamic world should struggle to bring the Holy Lands access to Moslem pilgrims and to reclaim Andalusia; this had been touched off in part by the attempted assasination of the Sultan of Baghdad by the Knights of Rhodes. Akbe Mohammed drove his troops, onboard the ships of Almohad Tunisia, towards Rhodes and Aragon and after 3 years of battle, Rhodes overthrew their Grandmaster and made amends, while Aragon, having 75% of their land occupied, ceded the Balares to Algeria and opened the Holy Lands up to the Moslem faith.

In 1452, the increasing size of Algeria proper, and the demands of the Almohad Empire including the crown of Morocco, saw the Emperor defer the Emirship of Algeria to his younger sister, Amira Yasmine Mohammed.

RECENT HISTORY TO FOLLOW

 

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The Imperial Court of the Holy Almohad Empire

The Court of the Almohad Empire is currently without a leader, with a reluctant Regent serving until a new leader can be named. Recent events have forced changes upon the Empire and a restructuring may soon be in order.
​

His Imperial Highness, Premiere of the Almohad Throne, the Holy Almohad Emperor:
Caliph Odchigin Sacha (until an heir is selected)

The Holy Emir Elector Princes (or Princesses) of the Empire, making up the Governing Council:
Tunisia: Hajji Amhed Hafsid
Algeria: Yasmine Mohammed
Fez: VACANT
Morocco: Tokuul Raabati

Members of the Advisory Council:
Badajoz (Portugal): João Duarte (SUSPENDED FOR TREASON AND OATH BREAKING)
The Sunni Caliph: Odchigin Sacha
Granada (Moorish Rebels): Musa Al-Tariq

Emirates Absentia:
Toledo
Saragossa
Granada

Former Emperors:
Sultan Abu'l-Abbas Ahmad II
Sultan Akbe Mohammed

 

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The Characters

[anchor=yas]Yasmine Mohammed[/anchor]
Amira-Elector of Almohid Algeria, Amira of Tlemcen, Sultana of the Zayyanid Kaliphate, Presumed Empress of the Almohad Empire The Night Jewel of Algeria Born 1420.

The younger sister of deceased Sultan Akbe Mohammed, succeeds him as ruler of the throne of Almohad Algerian. Formerly the ruler and administrator of the Citadel of Tlemcen and the port city of Al-Jaza’ir, Yasmine is a reluctant ruler who's ascension has come at a time of war and family tragedy.

While here interests are in art and trade, as she has been handed the mantle of the Algerian nation and, presumably, the Almohad Throne. Her beauty is renowned throughout Algeria and many have asked for her hand, but the Sultan had never approved of a match... viewing all suitors as unworthy of his sister. In the past, there were rumours that she might be insane, but such jealous accusations are now unheard of following her coronation. Yet, she bears an unmeasurable sense of loss and tragedy with her, and seems prone to fits of melancholy and bitter rage. Woe be upon any whom cross the Sultana during any of these interludes.


Halud Hasan
A Naib of the Zenata Tribe. Born 1433.

In the custody of the House Zayyanid, raised by the harem and supervised by the Amira Yasmine. His father was the leader of the Zenata Berber Tribe, though now his Uncle is, his family having been killed off by Typhus. His youngest Uncle is Azim Hasan, and he is currently squired to the Badajozian Knight-Envoy Tomas, who is now "Naib of Cordova," (276) which granted Halud the title of "Sharif of Sierra Morena." He is immature for his age, and small, but capable of great courage and respect. Has learned Portuguese.


Tomas Lopes.
Viscount de Castello Branco (Portuguese title), Naib of Cordoba, Governor of the Chiriya Canaries, Taifa (vice-regent) of Andalus, Champion of the Amira of Tlemscen. Age:?

The relationship between Tomas Lopes and the Sultana has been the subject of much rumor and conjecture. Named her "Champion", the navigator has a special relationship with Yasmine Mohammed, but one that is unclear to outsiders.


Ali A'ku
Champion of the Maghrib. Born 1417.

Was once a knight of the Order of St. John. Captured by Arab pirates in an action near Constantine, he was held for ransom. During his captivity, Antaios as he was then known, eventually became convinced that God and his catholic liege had forsaken him. Turning to the religion of his captors, the knight realized that Jesus had been followed by a third prophet, Mohammed, and that his understanding of God had been incomplete. Accepting Allah as his true god, Antaois took the name Ali A'ku. His ransom was paid by a young emir of Tlemcen and Ali was made in to a hero. Most recently, he shocked the Christian world by appearing at a tourney in England and narrowly escaped arrest. He has pledged an oath to defend the new Sultan, at the request of the Abu'l-Abbas Ahmad II who originally he planned to accompany to the Hedjaz.


Anna Marie Rose Giovanna
Envoy and Vizer of the Court. Born 1403.

Anna Marie was the Italian noble who Sultan Hasan bin Mohammed's father, the pirate Sia, kidnapped close to Florence. Rose wasnt Sia's only wife but she was clearly his favourite, and when her son Abd was elected Sultan, Rose became an influential power in Algiers and she built the first Christian Catholic Church in Algiers, sadly she never did find a priest. She is the aunt of the current Sultana and envoy to the "barbarian catholic" states.


Azim Hasan
Sharif of Atlas, Sultan's Talwar: Commander of the Military, Taifa of Northern Trade. Born in 1409.

Adopted cousin of the Sultan, he was sent with Akbe to Oran as his bodyguard, and has traveled with him always. When Akbe became Sultan, Azim was titled as Sharif of Atlas.. a mostly ceremonial position, and more importantly trusted with the operations of the military. He has pioneered the breeding of black camels for nightime raids, and when Akbe was on the Hajj to Mecca it is thought that Azim may have spent time in Palestine and the far barbarian north learning English. Most recently he traveled again to England, and then the icy north of Pskov, where he has become involved with Czarina Mina, and plotted against the Liths while learning Russian.


Aaminah Jamila al Umm-Hakim
Theological & Foreign Vizier. Born 1410.

As a refugee from Al-Andalus she holds great sway within the Muslim Mujahir community, bridging the Berber's Sunni traditons, and the Sufi-like Al-Andulus traditions this woman is not just a religious scholar but a community leader. An orphan raised in the Umm-Hakim Orphaned Girl's School in Al-Andalus (The school is named for Tarik Ibn Amru's long serving Andalusian female slave and military commander, founded ~750ce), and excelled in her studies. While many suitors pursued her, she felt a marital commitment could only distract her from her examination of spiritual truth. She served as a go-between for the Sultan and the Mujahir communities when he was simply the Sharif or Oran, and she accompanied him to Mecca; along the way becoming trusted friends. She has a particular dislike for the Castilleons and other Iberan barbarian tribes, as she was quite traumatized by her flight and the burning of her library. She was approved as the first female Alim to the Ulama, representing Algeria. The Sunahia Records.

Kajol Khan
Lady in Waitng to the Amira of Tlemcen, and daughter of the Late Nawab of Oudh. Born 1421.

A cousin of the Sultan. Born in Tunis to daughter to the Sultan's aunt and of a noble cum scholar from the Delhi Sultanate, Sher Khan. Soon after her her 6th birthday, her father had taken them back to the lands of Hindusthan where he assumed the position of Naib, or Nawab as they called it there, of Oudh. At the age of 17, their palace was sacked and her mother taken and killed, after her father had been killed in battle trying to subdue the so called "sultanate" in Bengal run by decadant Turks. Kajol herself only escaped through the ferocious fight her Maghribi eunuchs put up, and their long ride to Delhi. There, however, she had been at the mercy of the court, and the Sultan had taken advantage of her most heinously, ruining her purity and shaming her for some years. During this time, her correspondance with her cousin had halted, and Yasmine had sent aid, eventually bringing her back the Maghrib, where she has rapidly cultivated great influence and power within the harem. (271)




[anchor=akbe]Sultan Akbe Mohammed[/anchor] (KILLED AT THE BATTLE OF GRANADA 1454)
Head of the Zayyanid Caliphate, Emir-Elector of Almohid Morocco, Lord-Protector of the Maghrib, Crimea, and Al-Andalus, Sharif of Oran, Guardian of Western Civilization, Defender of the Reverend Mother, and Premiere of the Almohad Throne and the Holy Almohad Empire. Born 1414.
Known as the Lion of the Maghrib, and Victor of Thrace. Holder of The Moldovian Order of Moldu'c

Akbe Mohammed was appointed Sharif of Oran by his grandfather Emir Abu Abdallah Mohammed III at the age of 15, and was sent to the province with ample bodyguards and advisors. He was sent not only to train him for further administration within the Zayyanid lands, but to solidify the bond with the Zayyanid's ancestreal tribe, the Zenata... hence his bonding to his 1rst Compnaion Kadija the following year.

He served in Oran for 4 years, when he returned with Kadija to the capitol to pursue military training for 5 years, but then was sent back to Oran to settle the Muslims and Jews fleeing the barbarian hordes that had swamped Al-Andalus. At the behest of his Uncle Sultan Hasan bin Mohammed he served as an escort on a pilgrimedge to Mecca, which took two years and in which Baghdad and Cairo were visited extensively.

He served with decoration during the chaos of the regent's rule under Sir Kareem Abdul, and then under his Uncle Sultan Abd Roukashi whom he had supported. When his father, Sultan Abu'l-Abbas Ahmad II, came to power he took command of the Mujahir Armies and learned from their experiences in Al-Andalus; they called him the "Lion of the Maghrib," after he killed a beast terrorizing Oran in his Sharif days.

He led the Mujahir Army in the assualt on Thrace and won much decoration. It is also written that after rescuing a Byantine Noble he was influential in convincing his father to spare the Orthodox churches.

(DETAILS OF DEATH IN GRANADA TO FOLLOW)

Kadija, 1rst Companion of the Sultan
Martial Vizer. Born 1415.

This Berber Algerian is a princess of the Zenata Tribe from which the Zayyanids primarily draw their troops. The arrangement between the two was arranged before the Sultan or Kadija were born. Kadija was trained from birth to serve as both a guard and military counselor to the Sultan. They were joined when she was 10 and he was 16, but did not live together until later. While the two are not an amorous couple, there is a strong workingship, respect, and long-term association has bred a friendship and love of chess between the Sultan and his 1rst Companion.



Rebekka, 2nd Companion of the Sultan
Sultan's Physician. Born 1422.

A Mujahir Jew whose physician family fled to Algeria from Granada when she was 6. The Sultan met her at the age of 25 (her age was 17) while working to settle the Mujahir as Sharif of Oran under the orders of his grandfather, Emir Abu Abdallah Mohammed III. He pursued her while working to settle the Jewish Mujahir, and her extended family of physicians have probably prospered more than any other non-military Mujahir family. She was trained as a physician as well, and was equally interested in seeking a match with the Akbe. They are most often together, though she stayed behind during the Thrace Campaign.



Livia Palaeologus, 3rd Companion of the Sultan
Born 1426.

At the tender age of 16 this Byzantine Noble was aqquired in Thrace by the conquering Akbe Mohammed. In the confusion she was seperated from her family and took refuge in the Hagia Sophia, where Akbe found her and struck by her beauty put her under his protection. After several months of teaching Akbe Greek and encouraging him to help his father show compassion to the city's inhabitants... she accompanied him back to Algiers. She is smitten with the Sultan, and is angry that political considerations would bar her from being his wife. A practicing Orthodox Christian who likes to do cross-stitch and study languages, she exerts less influence on the Sultan than she probably has the potential to do. She has formed a grudging friendship with Rebekka despite a low-burning jealousy.

-----------MINOR CHARACTERS-------------​

Diplomats Dispatched to Far-Away Lands:

Sheik Gaffer Habibi~ Sent to the Mameluke Court
A Chieftan of a lesser Berber tribe renowned for his shrewd mind and loyalty to the throne, his assignment to an issue indicates great importance. He is also known for being aloof and strong willed.

Mirza Mohammad-Reza~ Sent to the Timurid Court
Son of a Persian mother, this accomplished cavalry captain was selected to represent the Zayyanid Caliphate in those areas where military activities are rife.

Alvera Rahman~ Sent to the Morrocan & Fez Courts
Nephew of Azim Hasan, a young and nervous man who pines to be with his wife back in Tlemcen, but not as much as he fears his uncle. Eager to make peace.

Tokuul Rabati~ Taifa of Morocco.
A foppish Moroccan noble formerly in self-imposed exile, looking to restore the unity of the Maghrib under Zayyanid rule. Now adminiostering Morocco for the Akbe Mohammed. Formerly Envoy to Crimea, whose court now resides in MArakesh with him. Passionate, yet patient.

Hajji Amhed Tabrizi~ Sent to the Omani & Hedaji Courts
An experienced diplomat and reverent Muslim, cousin to Mizra Mohamed-Reza, also half Parsi. {Prone to tripping, though his body is uncoordinated his mind is sharp with a penchant for astronomy.

Jasmine-i-Tlemscen~ Sent to Drobudja cum Moldovia by the Reverend Mother Aaminah
Born 1427.
Youngest daughter of a noble house, she walked away from a life of luxury to serve the cause of the Reverend Mother after reading the Drobudja Dissertation, and went to aid the oppressed Muslims of Venetian Drobudja. Rumoured to have helped facilitate Moldovian takeover; serves as an informal connection to Moldovia. Preaches and runs an orphanage at the "Voivode Stefan II Liberator Mosque" in the Ruma neighborhood in Ismaiyl, Drobudja, Moldavia.


Foreign Diplomats in Court:

Almohid Provences​

Farhid Al-Hadâas~ Administrator in Tlemscen for the Provence of Morocco
Viscount Tomas Lopes de Castello Branco~ No longer representing the Provence of Badajoz
Jamal Zayed~ Representing the Provence of Fez

Civilized Nations​

Ali Sahaf the blind~ Representing the Ottoman Empire
Hajji Giray, and younger brother Haydar Giray~ Representing the Crimean Khanate in Exile, stationed in Marakesh

Barabrian Tribes​

Mario Partecipazio~ Representing the Tribe of Venice



Table of Active Relations (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Hatred... * Suspicious... ** Neutral... *** Warm... **** Friends... ***** Sister Nation...******
Positive Influence / Negative Influence

Aragon... ** (Reconquista)
Bavaria... ** (Support of Portuguese Crusade)
Bremen... ***
Bretagne... ***
Castille... * (Reconquista)
Denmark... ***
Egypt... **** (Ally against Iberians, trade, Sunahia influence)(Threat towards smaller neighbors, no security for envoys, previous support of Iberians)
Eire... ***
England... *** (Trade colony, Azim influence, Support of Portuguese Crusade)
France... ** (Support of Portuguese Crusade)
Frisia... ***
Gelre... ***
Genoa... **** (Trade)
Golden Horde... ** (Crimean annexation)
Holstein... ***
Teutonic Order... ** (crusaders, Azim influence)
Moldavia... ***** (Azim influence, Sunahia influence, Order of Mol'duc influence)
Moscovy... ***
Lithuania... * (Crusaders-SEVERE)
Navarra... ** (Reconquista)
Oman... **** (trade)
Pommerania... ***
Poland...***
Portugal... ** ("Unjustified" Crusade, Betrayal of previous cooperations, Reconquista)
Pskov-Novogrd-Tver... **** (Trade colony, Azim influence)
Ottomans... *** (Crimean annexation, trade)
Ryazan...***
Vladimir-Suzdal...***
Sweden...***
Teke... ***** (trade, Sunahia influence plus)
Timurid Empire... ***** (trade, Sunahia influence, Ally in multiple struggles)
Tunisia... ***** (HAE, Ally)
Venice... ** (Trade dispute, Drobudja & other oppression of Muslims)
Wallachia... ***
Tver... ***
Kaliphate... *** Breakage of vassalization from Abbasids (severing of relations, expulsion of diplomats from Baghdad, great difficulty in recieving payment, numerous insulting letters)

 

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Ethereal Palace of Records and Libraries​

& the Sultan's Harem​

Index of Treaties by Nation

[anchorlink=Crimea]Crimea[/anchorlink]
[anchorlink=Genoa]Italian Trade Union (Genoa, Milan, Modena, Piedmont)[/anchorlink]
[anchorlink=England]England[/anchorlink]
[anchorlink=Mam]Mameluke Sultanate[/anchorlink]
[anchorlink=Tun]Almohid Tunisia[/anchorlink]
[anchorlink=port]Almohid Badajozian Potugal[/anchorlink]
[anchorlink=Ott]Ottoman Empire[/anchorlink]
[anchorlink=Timur]Timurid Empire[/anchorlink]
[anchorlink=wurz]Wurzburg[/anchorlink]

[anchorlink=pskov]Pskov-Novogrod[/anchorlink]
[anchorlink=Hedjaz]Hedjaz Sultanate[/anchorlink]
[anchorlink=Teke]Teke Emirate[/anchorlink]
[anchorlink=Mol]Moldavia[/anchorlink]



Zayyanid Rights of Passage include all lands listed below:
Mameluke Sultanate
Timurid Empire
Ottoman Empire
Zayyanid Crimea
Hedjaz Sultanate
Teke Emirate
Tunisia
Abbasid Kaliphate

Current Rights of Passage granted to:
Timurid Empire
Zayyanid Crimea
Hedjaz Sultanate
Teke Emirate
Abbasid Kaliphate
Tunisia

Non-Aggression Pacts:
Genoa (until Oct-Dec 1450)

Alliances:
Mamelukes (Defensive to Christian powers in Africa)
Hedjaz Sultanate (Defensive to Christian powers)
Teke Emirate (Defensive to Christian powers)
Tunisia

Vassals of the Caliphate:
Zayyanid Crimea
Almohad Algeria (inlcluding Fez & Morocco)

Trade Agreements:
Italian Trade Union (Genoa, Savoy, Milan and Modena)
Genoa seperate
Timurid Empire
Mameluke Sultanate
England
Zayyanid Crimea
Ottoman Empire
Wurzburg
Portugal
Pskov-Novogrod
Hedjaz Sultanate
Moldavia
Teke Emirate
Abbassid Kaliphate
Tunisia

Trade Embargos:

Archived Active Agreements​

[anchor=genoa]

Italian Trade Union​

[/anchor]

Agreement on Mediterranean Trade

~between the Zayyanid Caliphate and the Italian Trade Union, as signed in A.D. 1447~




Praefatio
...


Article I
The signing parties shall never banish the merchants of each other, and shall never declare a trade embargo against each other. This applies not only to the signing parties as wholes, but also to their parts, i. e. to certain guilds, individuals, member states of the Italian Trade Union (primarily Genoa, Savoy, Milan and Modena) or the Zayyanid Caliphate, etcetera.

Article II
The merchant ships of the Italian Trade Union traversing the waters of the Mediterranen shall be given the full protection of the Zayyanid navy. Under the orders of the Zayyanid Sultan, pirate attacks against the vessels of the Union will be deterred using resources as deemed necessary by local commanders. Ports of both parties will act as safe harbors and places of sactuary for each other partys' merchants.

Article III
The merchant ships of both parties may water and take supplies on the islets and ports of the other party without extra tax or tribute.

Article IV
The Italian Trade Union shall be allowed to construct guild houses and bankhouses in the cities of Algiers, Bejaia and Oran. The merchants of the Union shall be allowed to enter these ports freely, without having to pay any taxes or tolls; furthermore, the Union shall be granted the right of holding market in these cities freely, with no taxes imposed on them. However, the local guild houses of the Union shall pay a preset yearly tax to the Almohad Throne, the sum of which shall be determined by the local representative of the Sultan and the master of the local guild.

Article V
Concerning the Algerian mainland: the merchants of the Union shall be allowed to travel freely, under the protection of the King of Algiers. The tolls imposed on these merchants shall be the 110% of those imposed on local merchants. In the city of Tlemcen, the Union shall be allowed to construct a guildhouse, and shall be allowed to hold market, but shall pay the usual toll upon entering the city and shall pay tax after their revenues.

Article VI
The Zayyanid merchants shall be allowed to construct guild houses and bankhouses in the ports of the Union considered major (currently Genoa, Nizza and La Spezia) with having to pay only the 20% of the usual toll, and shall be allowed to hold market in the said cities without tax imposed on them. Zayyanid guildhouses, residences, areas of worship, areas of storage and banking, shall be contained in a walled "Moorish Quarter." The exact placing, size, etcetera of these ghettos shall be determined by the local sovereign. The Quarter shall pay a yearly tax to the local sovereign. Furthermore, the local Bishop shall have the right to send and assaign priests to the ghettos, aiming the conversion of the inhabitants.

Article VIII
Algerian merchants shall be allowed to to travel freely in the states of the Union, under the protection of the local sovereign. Letters of this protection shall be distributed in the major ports of the Union. The tolls imposed on these merchants shall be the 110% of those imposed on local merchants.

Article IX
Due to circumstances beyond the control of the Italian Trade Union, the Zayyanid merchants shall not be allowed to enter the territory of the Republic of Genoa until the year 1449.

Article X
The bank Casa San Maurizio of the Piedmont hereby confines itself to grant loans to the Zayyanid Sultan on favourable terms. Should that soverign request it, the Casa San Maurizio will send advisors to any Zayyanid Emirate to help handling the finances of the specified Emirdom.

Article XI
The Almohad Throne will authorize the Algerian, Iberian, Crimean, Badajozian, Tumisian, and Morroccan Emirates, or any other Zayyanid componants to lend a portion to states of the Italian Trade Union of their treasuries if they deem it good policy to do so.

Article XII
1% of all Italian Trade Union profits made in the Algiers Emirate will be granted to the Catholic Cathedral in Al-Jazir, for its upkeep and maintenance. In Zayyanid Compounds small areas of worship will be allowed out of public areas.


[x] Her Excellency Anna Maria Rosa Giovanna, representative of His Illustrious Majesty the Zayyanid Sultan

[x] Baron Angelo Correano, Chairman of the Council of the Italian Trade Union.

Italian Trade Union (primarily Genoa, Savoy, Milan and Modena)

An Agreement Regarding Genoese-Zayyanid Commerce

[1] Genoese merchant ships traversing the waters of the Maghrib shall be given the full protection of the Zayyanid navy. Under the orders of the Sultan, pirate attacks against Genoese vessels will be deterred using resources as deemed necessary by local commanders.

[2] Genoese merchant ships may water on islets and designated ports of the Zayyanid Caliphate without tax or tribute.

[3] The Republic of Genoa will guarantee weekly merchant shipments of goods such as timber, salt, dried meats, and olive oil to be sold in the regular manner to Zayyanid merchants in the ports of Oran and al-Jaza’ir. Genoese goods will be taxed with a nominal tariff of 10% to be paid by the merchant to the Naval Commerce Office.

[4] These same merchants will purchase full loads of Zayyanid goods such as copper, iron, tar, and precious gems in the regular manner without tax or tariff by either Genoa or the Zayyanid Caliphate. Genoese merchants will have right of first refusal for such goods should other Christian merchants also bid.

[5] Zayyanid merchants shall be allowed to trade in the ports of Genoa without harassment and under a status no worse than that of Christian nations.

The 1438 Pact of Non-Aggression Between the Zayyanid Caliphate (Algiers) and the Republic of Genoa

In the spirit of prosperous trade, the Zayyanid Caliphate and Genoa recognize the need for continued peace in the Western Mediterranean. Therefore:

1. The Zayyanid Caliphate pledges that no military action will be taken against ships or other forces of the Republic of Genoa, be they merchant or military.

2. The Republic of Genoa pledges that no military action will be taken against ships or other forces of the Zayyanid Caliphate, be they merchant or military.

3. The Zayyanid Caliphate will protect Genoa and it’s citizens against harm from third parties while in the domains of the Caliphate.

4. The Republic of Genoa will protect the Zayyanid Caliphate and it’s citizens against harm from third parties while in the domains of the Republic.

5. Should the Caliph lawfully order holy war (jihad) against Genoa, the Zayyanid Caliphate has the option to give a six month notice of intent to withdraw from this Pact. In such a case, the Zayyanid Caliphate will take no action against Genoa during those six months and allow Genoa to safely withdraw their interests from Zayyanid lands and waters.

6. Should the Pope lawfully order holy war (crusade) against the Zayyanids, Genoa has the option to give a six month notice of intent to withdraw from this Pact. In such a case, Genoa will take no action against the Zayyanids during those six months and allow the Zayyanid Caliphate to safely withdraw their interests from Genoese lands and waters.

7. This Pact will expire naturally on December 31, 1450, by Christian reckoning of the calendar.

----

[anchor=timur]

Timurid Empire​

[/anchor]

The Iraq-Maghrib Trade Route (renewed March 1443)

[1] The Zayyanid Caliphate agrees to give merchants of the al-Agta favored tariffs, not to exceed 10% of the cost of goods, on purchases of ivory, gold, and precious stones in the cities of Tlemcen, Oran, and Bejaia.

[2] The al-Agta Khanate agrees to give Zayyanid merchants favored tariffs, not to exceed 10% of the cost of goods, on purchases of cloth, timber, and other naval supplies in the port cities leading to Iraq.

[3] During times that the Zayyanids and the al-Agta are at war with a common enemy, no tariff exceeding 5% will be charged on any good exchanged between the two peoples.

----

[anchor=mam]

Mameluke Sultanate​

[/anchor]

The Renegotiated North African Mercantile & Prosperity Agreement (August 1445)

The Zayyanid Caliphate and the Mameluke Sultanate recognize the opportunity for continued stability through cooperation in joint-prosperity, and thus seek to establish vigorous trade across Islamic North Africa. Therefore:

{A.} Wealth & Commerce
[1] The Zayyanid Caliphate allows the Mameluke Sultanate and traders of Mameluke origin unfettered access to the markets of the Zayyanids. A tariff of no more than 5% will be assessed on spices, salt, and learned books.

[2] The Mameluke Sultanate allows the Zayyanid Caliphate and traders of Zayyanid origin unfettered access to the markets of the Mamelukes. A tariff of no more than 5% will be assessed on Christian slaves, copper, and iron.

[3] The Zayyanid Caliphate agrees not to directly trade in sub-Saharan markets in East Africa.

[4] The Mameluke Sultanate agrees not to directly trade in sub-Saharan markets in Central and West Africa.

{B.} Security of Islam Through Brotherhood

[1]In the event that a non-Islamic power invades the Maghrib, the Nile Delta, or any other portion of north Africa, the Zayyanid Caliphate, and the Mameluke Sultanate is honor bound to declare war upon the invading force, and move with all due haste to repell the invasion, until said invasion is repulsed.

[2] The Co-signers agree to allow the forces of the other to quarter in and pass through their domains.

[3] When economically feasible, both the Mameluke Sultanate and the Zayyanid Caliphate agree to loan the other monies requested for military ventures in a declared war. In accordance with Islamic law, no usury will be charged and all loans will be repaid within six months of the end of the war.

[4] This agreement can be renegotiated, or strengthened, if both signing nations agree.

-----

[anchor=ott]Ottoman Empire[/anchor]​

Zayyanid-Ottoman Pact of Mutual Security & Brotherhood (March 1443) CANCELED

I. The undersigned do hereby recognize that all articles of this pact are valid in all cases.

II. The undersigned do hereby recognize their cosigners and their successors as the only legal rulers of their respective realms.

III. In times when one party of this agreement falls under attack, the other shall declare war on the offending realm if called upon. Should such means of active involvement be unavailable, monetary aid shall be provided.

IIIa. As this alliance is public, any party that wages war on one member has broken any alliances with the other, for an attack on the Zayyanid Caliphate is an attack on the Ottoman Empire and vice versa.

IV. Article three is valid, even if the Zayyanid Caliphate or Ottoman Empire must strike its enemy in a preemptive attack against an enemy realm before the barbarians of the said realm are able to open hostilities.

IVa. Whenever possible, consultations shall be made regarding future military deployments and strategies.

V. The Zayyanid Caliphate and the Ottoman Empire shall allow each others' troops passage through each others' respective lands at all times.

VI. The Zayyanid Caliphate and the Ottoman Empire recognize the supremacy of Islam, and in the course of events, while acting together, they will do their best to ensure the freedom and propagation of said faith in making agreements with non-Islamic powers.

VII. The Zayyanid Caliphate and the Ottoman Empire do hereby swear before the grace of Allah never to wage war upon each other and to observe the terms of this pact at all times, even if other pact come into conflict with this supercedant pact.
[/color]

The Turkish-Berber Pact of Brotherly Trade (August 1443)

I. The undersigned do hereby recognize that all articles of this pact are valid in all cases.

II. The spirit of this document, which is to build the signers' strength and unity, bringing prosperity to its people, and Islam, in the Mediterranean and abroad, shall be held in good faith, witnessed by Allah and the Islamic world.

III. The co-signers will continue to work to bring their nations closer together economically, in terms of both commerce and policy.

IV. The co-signers shall allow each others' merchants safe passage, and quarter in each others' respective lands at all times; providing for their defense and any aid in the event of danger.

V. In the markets held by the Ottoman Empire and the Zayyanid Sultanate, the Muslim traders originating from these two nations shall have unfettered access to the rights of trade. A tariff of no more than 5% will be assessed on any good moved between the provences, excepting gold and silk on which a tariff of no more than 7% shall be assesed.

[x]Ali Sahaf, in the Name of Mehmed II. Han Sultan
[x]Sultan Akbe Mohammed, Zayyanid Caliphate

------

[anchor=england]

The Kingdom of England​

[/anchor]

I. The undersigned do hereby recognize that all articles of this pact are valid in all cases.

II. The spirit of this document, which is to build the signers' friendship and commerce, bringing prosperity to its people, shall be held in good faith.

III. The Kingdom of England shall alot a plot of land, one half of a mile by one half of a mile, near Portsmouth; upon which the Zayyanid Caliphate may build a wall, and accomodate men, families, storehouses, docks and community buildings.

IV. The Zayyanid Caliphate agrees not to engage in direct trade with any other northern provences of nations currently bordering the the North or Baltic seas; excepting Pskov in which direct trade will be pursued in cooperation with English merchants and convoys whenever possible.

V. The co-signers shall allow each others' merchants safe passage, and quarter in each others' respective lands at all times; providing for their defense and any aid in the event of danger; including freedom from persecution for citizens owing allegence to the respective co-signers.

VI. In the markets held by the Kingdom of England and the Zayyanid Caliphate, the traders originating from these two nations shall have unfettered access to the rights of trade. A tariff of no more than 6% will be assessed on any good, moved between or through the nations, shall be assesed.

So honorably signed:

~Sultan Akbe Mohammed, Zayyanid Caliphate
~King John III, Kingdom of England

The John-Akbe Agreement of Mutual Prosperity and Progress for the Kingdom of England and the Zayyanid Caliphate (August 1443)

I. The undersigned do hereby recognize that all articles of this pact are valid in all cases.

II. The spirit of this document, which is to build the signers' friendship and commerce, bringing prosperity to its people, shall be held in good faith.

III. The Kingdom of England shall alot a plot of land, one half of a mile by one half of a mile, near Portsmouth; upon which the Zayyanid Caliphate may build a wall, and accomodate men, families, storehouses, docks and community buildings.

IV. The Zayyanid Caliphate agrees not to engage in direct trade with any other northern provences of nations currently bordering the the North or Baltic seas; excepting Pskov in which direct trade will be pursued in cooperation with English merchants and convoys whenever possible.

V. The co-signers shall allow each others' merchants safe passage, and quarter in each others' respective lands at all times; providing for their defense and any aid in the event of danger; including freedom from persecution for citizens owing allegence to the respective co-signers.

VI. In the markets held by the Kingdom of England and the Zayyanid Caliphate, the traders originating from these two nations shall have unfettered access to the rights of trade. A tariff of no more than 6% will be assessed on any good, moved between or through the nations, shall be assesed.

So honorably signed:

~Sultan Akbe Mohammed, Zayyanid Caliphate
~King John III, Kingdom of England

-------------

[anchor=crimea]

Crimean Khanate​

[/anchor]

The Islamic Black Sea-Maghrib Trade and Prosperity Pact between the Crimean Khanate and the Zayyanid Caliphate (August 1443)

I. The undersigned do hereby recognize that all articles of this pact are valid in all cases.

II. The spirit of this document, which is to build the signers' friendship and commerce, bringing prosperity to its people, shall be held in good faith.

III. The co-signers shall allow each others' merchants and navies safe passage, and quarter in each others' respective lands at all times; providing for their defense and any aid in the event of danger.

IV. In the markets held by the Khanate of Crimea and the Zayyanid Caliphate, the traders originating from these two nations shall have unfettered access to the rights of trade. A tariff of no more than 5% will be assessed on any good, moved between or through the nations, shall be assesed.

V. When economically feasible, the Co-signers agree to be favorable towards loaning the other monies when requested. In accordance with Islamic law, no usury will be charged and all loans will be repaid within six months of the end of the war.

VI. The Co-signers recognize the supremacy of Islam, and in the course of events, while acting together, they will do their best to ensure the freedom and propagation of said faith in making agreements with non-Islamic powers.


So honorably signed:

~Sultan Akbe Mohammed, Zayyanid Caliphate
~Khan Hajji Giray I, Crimean Khanate

--------


[anchor=wurz]The Wurzburgian-Zayyanid Trade Understanding[/anchor] (September 1443)

Whereas, the Zayyanid Caliphate has demonstrated hospitality, and friendship to Wurzburgians abroad...
Whereas, both nations will prosper through subsudized trade from markets normally beyond their reach...

I. The undersigned do hereby recognize that all articles of this pact are valid in all cases.

II. The spirit of this document, which is to build the signers' friendship and commerce, bringing prosperity to its people, shall be held in good faith.

III. The government of Wurzburg shall reimburse its Merchants, for taxes and tariffs levied in foreign ports on sales of said merchants, when the purchaser is a subject of the Zayyanid Caliphate, which in all cases will be certified by the local Zayyanid Trade factor.

IV. The government of the Zayyanid Caliphate will not levy additional tariffs on imports of Wurzburgian raw goods into its provences, when the goods have been certified at their point of sale by a Wurzburgian representative.

So honorably signed:

~Johann III Archbishop of Wurzburg and Duke of Eastern-Franconia
~Sultan Akbe Mohammed, Zayyanid Caliphate

--------


[anchor=port]The Portuguese-Zayyanid Trade Partnership - CANCELLED [/anchor]

I. The undersigned do hereby recognize that all articles of this pact are valid in all cases.

II. The spirit of this document, which is to build the signers' friendship and commerce, bringing prosperity to its people, shall be held in good faith.

III. The Kingdom of Portugal shall allow a portion of Lagos, no smaller than one half of a mile by one half of a mile, to be established as a Zayyanid Trade Quarter; upon where the Zayyanid Caliphate may build a wall, and accomodate men, families, storehouses, docks and community buildings, and where Portuguese merchants can have full access to Zayyanid wholesalers, and purchasers.

IV. The co-signers shall allow each others' merchants safe passage, and quarter in each others' respective lands at all times; providing for their defense and any aid in the event of danger; including freedom from persecution based on nationality of faith, for citizens owing allegence to the respective co-signers.

V. In the markets held by the Kingdom of Portugal and the Zayyanid Caliphate, the traders originating from these two nations shall have unfettered access to the rights of trade. A tariff of no more than 8% will be assessed on any good bought or sold, and no tariff of more than 3% shall be assesed on goods held or moved through the nations, shall be assesed.

So honorably signed:

~Viscount Tomas, Kingdom of Portugal
~Amira Yasmine Mohammed, for Sultan Akbe Mohammed, Zayyanid Caliphate

---------------

[anchor=pskov]Russian - Zayyanid Agreement of 1445. (July 1445)[/anchor]

I. The undersigned do hereby recognize that all articles of this pact are valid in all cases.

II. The spirit of this document, which is to build the signers' strength and cooperation, bringing prosperity to their respective people, shall be held in good faith.

IV. The co-signers shall allow each others' merchants safe passage, and quarter in each others' respective lands at all times; providing for their defense and any aid in the event of danger.

V. To accomadate trade, both nations will guarentee the allowance and facilitation of Orthodox Christianity and Islam, and where both will allow space for worship as due the size of the community which would utilize it specifically at the designated center of trade; this includes a plot of space in the Zayyanid center in Anglia for the Orthodox faith which will remain reserved indefinately, and a grant of less than 150 dinaris for refurbishment of the Novogrod Mosque.

VI. In the markets held by the Pskov-Novogrod and the Zayyanid Caliphate, including the Zayyanid trading center in England, the traders originating from these two nations, or English merchants acting on charter from the Zayyanid government shall have unfettered access to the rights of trade.

VII. A tariff of no more than 20% of standard tariffs will be assessed on any good, and the Zayyanid Caliphate recognizes Pskov-Novogrod as its only direct trading partner and distributor on the Baltic Sea.

VIII. The life of this treaty is eight years (96 months) from signing. Negotiations and ratifications can be made to the articles within this treaty after the expiration of the first two years (12 months) of the treaty upon mutual consent and participation by both partners - including abolotion of the agreement in its entirety."

So signed:
~Mina Andreyevna, Czarina and Grand Princess of Pskov-Novgorod
~Azim Hasan, representing Sultan Abe Mohammed, Zayyanid Caliphate

[anchor=Hedjaz]Zayyanid-Hedjaz Pact of Mutual Security & Brotherhood (December 1446)[/anchor]

I. The undersigned do hereby recognize that all articles of this pact are valid in all cases.

II. The undersigned do hereby recognize their cosigners and their successors as the only legal rulers of their respective realms.

III. The spirit of this document, which is to build the signers' strength and unity, bringing prosperity to its people, and Islam, in the region and abroad, shall be held in good faith, witnessed by Allah and the Islamic world.

SECURITY
IV. In times when one party of this agreement falls under attack by a non-Muslim power, the other shall declare war on the offending realm if called upon. Should such means of active involvement be unavailable, monetary aid shall be provided.

IVa. As this alliance is public, any non-Muslim party that wages war on one member has broken any alliances with the other, for an attack on the Zayyanid Caliphate is an attack on the Hedjaz Sultanate and vice versa when it comes to non-Muslim powers.

V. Whenever possible, consultations shall be made regarding future military deployments and strategies.

VI. The Zayyanid Caliphate and the Hedjaz Sultanate shall allow each others' troops passage through each others' respective lands at all times.

VII. The Zayyanid Caliphate and the Hedjaz Sultanate recognize the supremacy of Islam, and in the course of events, while acting together, they will do their best to ensure the freedom and propagation of said faith in making agreements with non-Islamic powers.

VIII. The Zayyanid Caliphate and the Hedjaz Sultanate do hereby swear before the grace of Allah never to wage war upon each other and to observe the terms of this pact at all times, even if other pact come into conflict with this supercedant pact.

TRADE & COMMERCE
IX. The co-signers will continue to work to bring their nations closer together economically, in terms of both commerce and policy.

X. The co-signers shall allow each others' merchants safe passage, and quarter in each others' respective lands at all times; providing for their defense and any aid in the event of danger.

XI. In the markets held by the Hedjaz Sultanate and the Zayyanid Caliphate, the Muslim traders originating from these two nations shall have unfettered access to the rights of trade. A tariff of no more than 5% will be assessed on any good moved between the provences, excepting slaves and silk on which a tariff of no more than 7% shall be assesed. No tarfiff shall be placed on holy books and scholarly works.

[x]
[x]Sultan Akbe Mohammed, Zayyanid Caliphate

---------------------------------


[anchor=teke]Zayyanid-Teke Pact of Islamic Brotherhood and Trade[/anchor] (January 1448)

I. The undersigned do hereby recognize that all articles of this pact are valid in all cases.

II. The undersigned do hereby recognize their cosigners and their successors as the only legal rulers of their respective realms.

III. The spirit of this document, which is to build the signers' strength and unity, bringing prosperity to its people, and Islam, in the region and abroad, shall be held in good faith, witnessed by Allah and the Islamic world.

SECURITY
IV. In times when one party of this agreement falls under attack by a non-Muslim power, the other shall declare war on the offending realm if called upon. Should such means of active involvement be unavailable, monetary aid shall be provided.

IVa. As this alliance is public, any non-Muslim party that wages war on one member has broken any alliances with the other, for an attack on the Zayyanid Caliphate is an attack on the Teke Emirate and vice versa when it comes to non-Muslim powers.

V. The Zayyanid Caliphate and the Teke Emirate shall allow each others' troops passage through each others' respective lands at all times.

VI. The Zayyanid Caliphate and the Teke Emirate recognize the supremacy of Islam in all things, and in the course of events, while acting together, they will do their best to ensure the freedom and propagation of said faith in making agreements with non-Islamic powers.

VII. The Zayyanid Caliphate and the Teke Emirate do hereby swear before the grace of Allah never to wage war upon each other and to observe the terms of this pact at all times, even if other pact come into conflict with this supercedant pact.

TRADE & COMMERCE
VIII. The co-signers will continue to work to bring their nations closer together economically, in terms of both commerce and policy.

IX. The co-signers shall allow each others' merchants safe passage, and quarter in each others' respective lands at all times; providing for their defense and any aid in the event of danger.

X. In the markets held by the Teke Emirate and the Zayyanid Caliphate, the Muslim traders originating from these two nations shall have unfettered access to the rights of trade. A tariff of no more than 5% will be assessed on any good moved between the provences; excepting slaves and Timber in Zayyanid territory, and finished metalworks and ores in Teke territory, on which a tariff of no more than 7% shall be assesed. No tarfiff shall be placed on holy books and scholarly works.

[x]Emir Qal'at al Ghassan, Teke Emirate
[x]Sultan Akbe Mohammed, Zayyanid Caliphate

---------------


[anchor=Mol]The Zayyanid-Vlach Compact (December 1449)[/anchor]

Article I: In honor of ancient verbal agreements, the Moldavian Voivode now offers Zayyanid Merchants, for their aid in the Great War of Liberation, special trade priveleges within the Danube river mouth and all lands owned and controlled by Moldavia.
Article II: All Zayyanid merchants shall be taxed as Moldavian merchants.
Article III: Moldavia shall build and maintain a warehouse explicitly and exclusively for the use of the Zayyanid Caliphate's merchants. The warehouse shall be located in the city of Galati, Moldavia's trading port on the Danube.
Article IV: Zayyanid merchants shall give Moldavian merchants fair prices on all goods imported from their lands as well as any goods imported from the Far East.

Signed
[X] Voivode Petru II Litovoi of Moldavia
[X] Sultan Akbe Mohammed of the Zayyanid Caliphate

----------------


[anchor=tun]The Almohid Unity and Reconstruction Pact between the Almohid Provences of Algeria, and Tunisia (March 1450)[/anchor]

A. Almohid Unity of the Maghrib & Al-Andalus
I. The undersigned do hereby recognize that all articles of this pact are valid in all cases.

II. The undersigned do hereby recognize their cosigners and their successors as ruling by derived authority from the Almohid Rulers who brought Islam and unity to the Maghrib and Al-Andalus.

III. The spirit of this document, which is reconstructing the Almohid Empire's strength and unity, and bringing prosperity to its people, and Islam, in the Maghrib and abroad, shall be held premiere; whereas this document will supercede all other signed documents with non-signatories to this agreement.

IV. The co-signers will work to bring their provences closer together politically, economically, and militarily.

B. The Defense and Security of the Almohid Maghrib
I. In times when one party of this agreement falls under attack, the other shall declare war on the offending party. Should such means of active involvement be unavailable, monetary aid shall be provided.

II. The provences of Algeria and Tunisia shall allow each others' navies, armies, and merchants safe passage, and quarter in each others' respective lands at all times. They shall not allow the armies of non Almohid provinces to travel in their realms.

C. Economic Unity of the Almohid Maghrib
I. The markets within the Almohid Provences and traders of domestic origin shall have unfettered access to the rights of trade within all provences. A tariff of no more than 5% will be assessed on any good moved between the provences.

II. When economically feasible, the Almohid Provences agree to loan the other monies requested. In accordance with Islamic law, no usury will be charged and all loans will be repaid within six months of the end of the war.


D. Islam as the Offical Faith and Binding of the Almohid Maghrib
I. The provences of Algeria and Tunisia recognize the supremacy of Islam, and in the course of events, while acting together, they will do their best to ensure the freedom and propagation of said faith in making agreements with non-Islamic powers.

II. The provences of Algeria and Tunisia do hereby swear before the grace of Allah to defend the Maghrib from outside threats, strive to liberate Al-Andalus, and to observe the terms of this pact at all times, even if other pacts come into conflict with this supercedant pact.


[x] Hajji Amhed Hafsid, for Tunisia
[x] Akbe Mohammed, for Algeria

 

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Library of Majumdar (Recent History)

While not as lavish as other buildings of the court, this small repository contains manualscripts of the stories of past Almohad rulers and vassal nations.

The Chronicles of Akbe Muhammad of Algeria * the Zayyanid Caliphate (Blade!)

The Chronicles of Abu Mohammaed el Maliki of Fez (heagarty)

The Chronicles of Hajji Amhed Hafsid of Tunis (TheArchduke)

The Chronicles of Yusuf al-Muwahhid, Sultan of Morocco (BriamBoruma)

The Chronicles of Sultan Abu-Mohammed Abdul-Haqq II (Arnou)

 

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The Emirates of Fez & Morocco


Once independent nations, both Fez and Morocco have been incoroporated into Greater Almohid Algeria. Morocco turned against her fellow Almohids and prepared to invade Fez, the history of the victors tells us, in Civil War and was subdued by Sultan Akbe Mohammed, and though given some limited autonomy was incorporated into Algeria.

Following the defeat of Morocco, and the sudden disappearance of Fez' Sultan Abu-Mohammed Abdul-Haqq II, Akbe Mohammed named Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez to serve as regent of the Algerian vassal nation.

Fez was carried into war, joining the Algerians in struggle against Castille in the liberation of Moorish rebels, but with the heroic death of the Almohad Emperor, and the ensuing disorganization of the empire Fez was left defenseless to face an amassed Crusage of Europeans, led by Portugal and financed by many nations. Meanwhile, his own people were divided over the Andalusian struggle, some pushing continued war to liberate their Islamic brothers, while others claimed the Emir-Elector had endangered the propserpous nation they had built, meddling in Imperial affairs not their own.

Facing sure defeat, the Emir-Elector presented himself repentantly before the Regent Emperor of the Almohads, the Origental sage Odchigin Sacha. Taking responsibility for failing in his stewardship duty to protect Fez, Abu-Mohammed surrendered his charge, and his life, to the Regent Emperor.

Excerpts from the Last Words of Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez​

I was to be steward over the land, serving the Almohad Emperor and Zayyanid Caliphate until the Emirs were ready to rule on their own. Again, I would make it clear so that you understand why I kneel before you: I was installed by the Emperor to protect Fez. Fez exists only due to the grace and strength of the Almohads. Without the Almohads, there is no Fez. And I have failed the Almohads in this role.

 

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Reserved for Information about Fez & Andalusian Refugees

 

[unmerged(4271)]

Reserved

 

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The Eye of the Hurricane​

Yasmine Mohammed, the Amira-Elector of Almohid Algeria, Amira of Tlemcen, recently named Sultana of the Zayyanid Kaliphate, was now, as well, presumed Emperess of the Almohad Empire.

The forboding words of Odchigin Sacha, Regent Almohad Emperor and Caliph of All Islam still rang through her ears.

"Fez is no more. The Emir Elect is dead at my hand for his failures. Algeria will take direct control over the lands of Fez, to defend that land from the infidel crusaders. You have two days to find someone to rule Algeria - my successor. A Mongol should not stand over Arabs of the Maghrib, and I cannot neglect my duties as Caliph any longer. You have two days. Or I return for that sword, and replace you all with someone of my choosing."

The Almohad Council had taken him at his word. Acting mostly through surrogates as war had robbed them of many of their named electors, the Council selected Yasmine as their candidate for Emperess. It was a responsibility she neither campaigned for, not wanted, but could not refuse.

The dictate disbanding Fez as an autonomous state had been obeyed, and, in preparing for war, the status of Morocco, too had been reconsidered. Both were now centralized into a Greater Almohad Algeria, from which the Empire would be ruled. With Badajoz , having renounced its allegiance through its actions, and Tunisia an observer, rather than a participant in this long and enduring war, the whole function and structure of the Imperial court was being reconsidered.

But in order to comply with the threat veiled as an Imperial mandate by Odchigin Sacha, Yasimine's coronation was made "effective immediately, if only temporary".

The Maghrib must be defended. There would be time for politics later.

Yasmine had spentmany nights crying at over the loss of her brother. And one unfortunate handmaiden had been stabbed with a dinner skewer when her rage had erupted over an innocent, if insentitive, comment.

The new Emperess would need to seek counsel. But some matters required immediate action...

 

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The Winds of Change Commence​

The Sultana Yasmine Mohammed, wearing a visage devoid of emotion, ordered her court to action.

Kajol Khan, the trusted confidant and handmaiden of the Sultana was given one order:

" Find Viscount Tomas Lopes de Castello Branco. Summon him to my side at once. He is needed now more than ever before.

Ali A'ku, the Champion of the Maghrib was once a Crusader himself. He would seek a parlay with the enemy. Ali had become convinced that God and his catholic liege had forsaken him, and, given the clear madness of the Pope, perhaps he could find others among the Europeans who felt similar doubts? He would fight to the death for the Almohad Empire, and was sure he would be tested in that matter before this war was over, but Algeria had fought for many years, and many fine young men had been lost.

Anna Marie Rose Giovanna, was given the task the Sultana believed to be doomed from the start, opening a dialogue with the Holy See.

Azim Hasan, meanwhile, was to take command of the ground forces that had delayed by the naval battle with the Papal forces, and redirect them to repel a European assault on the Maghrib.


Jamal Zayyed, of Fez, was granted the status of provincial governor, to manage the transition and assimilation of the vassal into its mother nation. What he personally thought of this turn of events was unknown, and in the Sultana's current mental state, she did not care.

There were treaties to be clarified, economic and trade rights to renew, and a whole host of issues which would need sorted out in order for there to be any civilized interaction with the world outside of the Empire. And that task was given to Zayyed.

Prince Abdul-Halim was the only heir of the former Sultan of Fez within the Maghrib. His brother and half brothers were in the lands of the Timurids. The youngest of the three, Abdul-Halim was brought in to Tlemscen, to consult and advise on manners pertaining to Fez, while Zayyed oversaw administration in the provincial capitol.

El-Zahrewi of el-Zahra: The foreign born advisor of the late Emir-Elector of Fez was, according to Abdul-Halim, on a distant mission of trade and diplomacy seeking aid for the cause. The Sultana was urged to rely greatly upon his insights and skills, and given the vizier's reputation, she believed that she might.

Livia Palaeologus was the companion of the Sultana's late brother, and an Orthodox Christian of some noble lineage. Yasmine was not sure how Livia fit into this picture yet, but she was going to consider all the resourced available to her.

To those servants not in the Court at Tlemscen, she sent written orders:

Sheik Gaffer Habibi was to inform the Abbasid Caliphate that all was well within Algiers and to work cooperatively with Egypt to defend Africa.

Mirza Mohammad-Reza was to continue his work among the Timurids, and coordinate war efforts with them.

Tokuul Rabati the Taifa of Morocco was informed of Morocco's new status as was to prepare the land's transition from the it's powerless puppet government, to rule centralized from Tlemscen. How we performed at this task would determine his future.

and finally the young Fezzian Messenger Abu was sent to inform the Caliph of all Islam of the Empress' compliance with his demand.

Greater Almohad Algeria was united behind one leader and prepred for war.

 

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(OOC: Though I am not yet finished, the game is moving on around me, so.....: Court open)

 

[AugCaesar]

A letter arrives from Castille.



Sultana Yasmin Mohammed,

I pray for the soul of your late Sultan Akbe Mohammed, he was a formidable foe, and did even before he died fell my own brother. You entreat for peace, but in doing so you say me wrong. For you claim that it was I who started the war betwixt us. To say so is in error, for indeed I did only bring myself into war with your predecessor as so begged by the Queen Blanca of Aragon, kin to myself, whence she was at war with your realm. I came in aid to here, but she was then deposed and a peace betwixt Akbe Muhammed and the ascendants to the throne of Aragon was signed ceding the Baleares and Malta, but not before Blanca had left claim of those two lands to myself. I did not pursue to further that war, but it was the avaricious greed of Akbe Muhammed that carried on that war. I, like you should like to find peace as I have lost many true men, though so have you and your allies, or shall I saw now countrymen of Fez. If your heart is truelly penitent and you desire peace for more than just a brief respite you would see to relinquish unto me those Iberain islands of the Baleares that are my claim. If not, any peace that we may come to would most likely be only a truce in a greater war which we all should hope to avoid.

Enrique IV de Trastamara, Rey de Castile y Leon

 

[Prince Eugene]

An Official Proclamation from the Osmanli Empire can be found in the courts of the Caliph, of the Pope, of the Portuguese & Castilian kings, of the Egyptian sultan & Timurid khan, and in various important courts in Algiers, Fez, and Morocco.​

Unto the Participants of the Western Mediterranean War

In the year 832 of the Prophet Muhammad, PBUH​

Your Majesties,

For too long has a great war plagued humanity that has threatened the already weak balance of peace between Christianity and Islam. Unless we wish for this balance to finally break and for a massive religious war to ensue, certain steps must be taken to end the great war in the western Mediterranean sea. Many Turkish volunteers have risen to the banner of the Almohad emperor to fight for his cause, and many have been slain at the hands of Christians. I see the effects of this war in the form of those dead men who will never return to my nation and who will never see their families again.

No one cannot forever fight on without cause, but as it is now everyone is forever fighting a war fueled by bitter hatred and malice. Akbe Mohammed was slain at the hands of the forces of Christianity. The man who started all of this lives no more, and there is no reason to continue this conflict which constantly provokes me to intervene on behalf of my people - the Islamic people. Let us set aside our differences and seek to once again live in a balance of peace between the two great religions, even if that balance be shaky.

I propose that the following measures be taken to rid to eliminate the aminosities that came into being when the Almohad Empire struck the Kingdom of Aragon:

-that the Balearic islands be turned over to the Holy See, to govern them or distribute them to another nation as his Christian Holiness sees fit.

-that the sultanate of Morocco, which was illegally invaded and conquered by the Almohads be restored as a sovereign nation and that the authority of its rightful ruling house of al-Muwahhid be reinstated.

-that in exchange for the Almohads ending the illegal occupation of Morocco, the house of Osman recognize the Almohad Emperor and all of his successors as determined by the Emir-Electors as the sole and legitimate heirs to Idris IV (d. 1269), the last legitimate Almohad emperor.

-that in order to provide appropriate compensation for warring the nations of Iberia, the Almohad Empire turn over the port of Tangiers to the Kingdom of Portugal

-that the Kingdom of Portugal renounces all claims on the African continent other than Tangiers and promises not to seek further aggression against the Almohad Empire.

Dictated in Bursa,

Sultan II. Mehmed Han bin-Murad, Padishah, Hünkar, Ruler of Both Lands and Both Seas, Sovereign of The Osman Family, Sultan es Selatin, Khakhan, Khan of the Ak Koyunlu, Padishas of The Three Cities of Istanbul, Adrianople, and Bursa, of the Marmara Sea, the Black Sea, Anatolia, Rumelia, Kurdistan, Armenia, Daghestan, Trebizond, Karaman, & the Crimea

 

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This war is really a war with God’s blessing.

- Manlio Scasì da Tenda, 1451.​

While he was probably the richest and most powerful man in the entire Maghreb, Manlio Scasì’s arrival in Tlemcen went largely unnoticed. After all, the merchants of the Italian Trade Union were far from being unknown in Algiers: since the fall of Venice, the mercantile alliance of Genoa, Milan, Modena, Piemonte and Saluzzo was the biggest Italian trading power, and their grip on the Maghreb just grew stronger since the outburst of the holy wars of the Mediterranean.

Magister Manlio Scasì da Tenda entered Tlemcen riding a donkey, travelling along with a caravan of the Union, as if he’d been just another Italian merchant coming to make profit of others’ misery. And, Scasì mused, he was coming to do exactly that.

As when the locust flies off to the next field to destroy, Sacì had left Tunisia for Algiers when it had become apparent that the Tunisian business was over. The economy of Tunisia was still yet to recover from the harm he had done, but the greedy eyes of magister Manlio Scasì da Tenda were already set on Algiers. On the Almohad Empire, he corrected himself quickly. On the contrary to what he had expected, the hardnesses steeled the Muslim Empire instead of making it fall apart, and Scasì rather much liked this turn of events, for now he could kill two birds with one stone. Or maybe three birds. Or rather four. Clearly, the Almohads were in dire straits, and Scasì was ready to save them, and to milk them dry in the process.

On paying the modest fee at the gates, he stralled to the guild house of the Union in a leisurely pace, looking about in the bazaars, checking the prices -- there was no need to rush. Once in the guild house, he took the command from the local officer (a once promising merchant who had grown fat and lazy in Tlemcen), and -- making the so far boringly calm life of the guild house confused and rushed faster than an I could flick -- Scasì began gathering data. For six days and nights he worked, he interrogated, read, listened and summarized, and on the seventh day he emerged from his office fully armed with informations, plans and devices.

Escorted by two guards, he passed through the buzzing centre of the city of Tlemcen, not stopping anywhere until he reached the ever so famous citadel. There he entered in a long and heated discussion with the guards, he kept waving a letter written by Azim Hassan, claiming that baron Angelo Correano had sent him to negotiate about improving the co-operation of the Almohads and the Union. Boldly enough, he requested an audience directly with the Sultana Yasmine, in spite of that he was sure he’d have to wait a lot.

Manlio Scasì da Tenda didn’t mind waiting. He knew very well that -- sooner or later -- Algiers would be his.

 

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Of many messages...​

Yasmine Mohammed, Sultana of the Zayyanid Caliphate, awaited what reply she might receive from the King of Castile. She would never admit it to anyone, but she felt that she was developing an empathy for this far away Christian ruler, who faced the same trials she faced, with similar demands and religious pressures, and the lives of so many hanging on each decision.

The letter from the Osmanlis arrived concurrent with Abu's return from the Caliph. She had begun to read the proposal from the Sultan as Abu tried to make her report. The two messages struck her at precisely the wrong time, evaporating what charity she had felt in her heart.

"Are they mad in Angora, or do they consider me a fool? What is this? Why do they try to interject themselves into these events? Under the mask of peace-maker they again try to reassert some influence over our internal affairs? Why is this obsession they have with Morocco? Why not restore all the lands of the Black Sea to their native rulers as well, if the Sultan is feeling so moved by the desire to build new nations?

This letter is full of lies! And not even clever ones which we might not discover, but simply blatant misstatements of the truth! The reports from Jerusalem I took to be exaggerated, a provocation by the old Fezzin alim Al-Andalus, but this, this is truly madness!"

She tossed the parchment aside where it was retrieved by a handmaiden and hidden from the Sultana's sight.

"And Abu, you too are part of this conspiracy against me? This is the message you return to me from the Caliph? Is there not a war going on? Must I do everything myself? And what is that odor? Were it not for more pressing affairs, I should discipline you in such a manner that you would never again forget your duties nor what is appropriate behavior for an Imperial messenger!"

With the train of her robes flourishing behind her, Yasmine Mohammed stormed from the Imperial Throne Room, with clenched fists, and a cruel stare that struck fear into the hearts of the courtiers who had only seen her as a creative and kind mistress.

 

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Of the response to the Italians...​

Manlio Scasì da Tenda heard light footsteps approaching from down the long hall outside of where he sat waiting, but his expecations were dashed the woman who entered the chamber was not the Sultana, but rather a most European-looking woman, in Italian dress.

"Buon Giornio Signore Scasi, me chiamo Anna Marie Rose Giovanna, sono la consigliore della sultana sugli affari europei e italians," she explained, bowing gracefully.

"My apologies to you sir, but you did not choose an opportune time to discuss matters of commerce, if this was your purpose. As you may have surmised from the activity in the ports and in the streets, Algeria and the Almohad Empire braces for invasion, and we fear the worst.

A great horde of riders from the East rides to our aid, yet they shall likely contribute to the destruction of our cities as we fight to repel these invaders.

I regret to say that this shall even further impact our trade with the Italian Trade Union. Obviously a population at war is a poor consumer for all but basic staples and martial goods."

She turned and walked slowly around the table to her seat, gazing out across the horizon.

"I have to admit that I am surprised," she said, hiding something beneath a soft sigh, "that as influential as the Italian Trade Union has become that it could do nothing to stop this escalating war. Goods from the east are threatened, the riches of the Maghrib are hoarded with the potential that they could be forever snatched away by your crusading European competitors, and sea battles and piracy threaten all legitimate commerce.

Why, just two weeks ago Oriental cannons passed through this city on their way to Fez, where they were to be mounted on the buildings flanking the ITU guild house of Tangiers, to help repel invaders.

I may be showing my age a bit, but I certainly can't recall the Venetians standing for anything like this," she said with a slightly coy smile and a sympathetic look toward Signore Scasi.

"You seem to have made an investment here, one threatened by war. Are you here to assess the potential loss, or have you come seeking to protect it?"

 

[I Killed Kenny]

To Yasmine Mohammed, the leader of the Almohads

We would like to congratulate your Holy father for the brutal act of barabary, the true mongol act of killing an Head of State leader of a sunni nation. We believe this shows that your Alims did a very good choice and that the Caliph of Islam is without any doubt exacly what We in cristain world believe he could be. A cold hearted Mongol killer

And We would like to know how you dare to telling Us that it was Our fault on the dead of the Emir-elector of Fez, for it was not We who killed him but your Holy father. For We could never order an Head of State to be killed, only in self-defence or in the heat of a battle!

And Woman are you so fullish that you believe that We would let your armies invade Iberia and We would not reply back? For you wanted to creat a dead country and We also want to creat a dead country. For the lands you know call yours were once Cristian, as Jerusalem, as Egypt! But We do not claim those lands, We just claim a fair re-payment for Our losed, We claim payment for Our Victories, nothing more, nothing else!

Woman do not think that I am afraid of the Mongols, for they were defeated by the non-dead Mamelukes once and they can be defeated by the Cruzaders again.

And women, you may cancel the Trade Agreements with Portugal but let Us tell you, We have the biggest fleet in the World, noone can match her. For We Will now order Our fleet to destroy all and every Algerian Trade Vessel trying to pass the straight of Gibraltar. And if all the Islam decied to close the trade to Portugal We shall destroy all and every islamic vessel in the Mediterranian, making it impossible to Travel, if necessary We shall go and close the Bosfurus itself!

And yes We want to end this war, before Fez, Morroco and Algeris are Destroyed, that is why We accepted the proposel of the Sultan of the Oslami. If you want We can sigh such treaty tomorrow.


Signed,

 

[AugCaesar]

A letter arrives from Castile.



Sultana Yasmine of the Zayyanids,

Truelly you are wise, far wiser than your predecessor, though an indomitable and fearsome man, and adversary he was. I am glad that reason has reached you to realize that it was not any aggression of mine that did bring our realms to war and as such I feel comfortable in dealing straitforwardly with you. I should, as you have shown a willingless as well, like to sign an accord of peace between our two realms of a lasting nature. I have read the proposal of the Sultan in Constantinople, and truthfully I do see in it a spirit of forgiveness and sacrifice that would serve well to mend the wounds inflicted on the nations of this war. I would be party to sign such a document if it were put before me, as it is just. Though do not mistake this willingness for a lack of interest in perhaps pursuing some other arrangement, of a manner more unique to my Kingdom and your own lands, as truelly the Baleares are very important to myself for the protection of the Iberian people there. You spoke of true negotiations and I should say that I would be willing to engage in such if you but name a time and place and give assurance to the safety of my envoy. I pray that this peace which to you and I seems probably like a dream can become a reality. I know that your neighbor to the East is as ambitious as ever was the Sultan Akbe, and he would seek to break the truce your own mighty predecessor forged with the House of Aragon. This could be to the benefit of neither of us and the longer we remain at odds the greater are the chances that such could occur and bring with it the blight of war we both so truthfully wish to avoid. I await your response anxiously.

Enrique IV de Trastamara, Rey de Castile y Leon

 

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Citadel of Tlemcen

The discussion of Lady Anna Maria Rosa Giovanna and Manlio Scasì da Tenda​

Magister Manlio Scasì smiled. Scasì smiled, and it was a particularly bizarre smile. His smile was not only cold, it was perfectly artificial as well: only his mouth was smiling, his face and glance remained stern, and this made his mien weird, grotesque, alien.

“Indeed, milady,” Scasì began, “the interests of the Lombardian Trade Union are to preserve the peace of these lands,” he said, avoiding her question. “Though let me state openly and honestly that we wish not to take sides in this most unfortunate conflict. After all, we’re but simple merchants, untrained in the matters of the state, not qualified to judge rulers…” He trailed off. “But we do value our long-lasting and highly fruitful relationship with the Almohad throne.” Scasì smiled at Lady Giovanna again, making her shiver. “Therefore, just as the we have helped out the Sultan of Tunisia in the hour of need, the Casa San Maurizio del Piemonte, this bank of the Union, is ready to help out Her Highness the Sultana Yasmine now, lending Her Highness a helping hand and a sum of money. A helping hand and a sum of money,” Scasì repeated, charmed by the image. “A sum of one thousand Italian florins (OOC: 1 eco), maybe more.”

“Naturally,” Scasì continued with the honeyed smile of a salesman, “the Casa San Maurizio would charge a modest, almost insignificant, yearly interest of 75 percent for the money lent… just a minor bonus, a reward for our hard work… what is fair is fair, n’est-ce pas? Considering the dangers, the moral implications, etcetera, this bonus is really all but outlandish. Further, we, the Lombardian Trade Union and the Casa San Maurizio, are ready to offer our other services to Her Highness, just as we offered them to His Highness the Sultan of Tunisia: we are ready to accept the heavy burden of handling the finances of Her Highness’ army… Just remember Tunisia’s recent war, milady, just remember the success! And we are also ready to take the task of supplying Her Highness’ army with the best equipment, etcetera.”

“Also, I have heard about the recent most unfortunate turn of events,” Scasì went on, hiding his joy; “I have heard that the Portugese merchants are banned from Algiers, and that the King of Portugal will not allow Algerian ships to pass the straits of Gibraltar… Most unfortunate indeed. The Lombardian Trade Union, however, is ready to satisfy all Algerian needs for any kinds of wares from the North. Given our partnership with the Hansa, it is all but hard. However, to do this, we would need the full protection of the Algerian navy… Protection from pirates and similar elements. Also, maybe Her Highness could make our work easier, as well as she could reward our efforts by--” He paused. “--by granting the Union full immunity from taxes and tolls for… the next ten years? What is fair is fair, n’est-ce pas?”

 

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A Desperate Acceptance...

Citadel of Tlemcen​

"Si, e' buono giusto e legittimo,Signore Scasi. You are too kind. The terms of your offered loan, they are accepted, and...and I am sure we can provide your with the favorable tax treatment you seek."

Lady Anna Maria Rosa Giovanna, hoped the coquettish tilt of her head would mask the hard swallow she took. She knew well the business acumen of the Houses of Piedmonte, and La Casa San Maurizio was feared and respected for its ruthlessess - they would always come out ahead. She had been prepared for this, and empowered to accept, such were the desperate times in Algiers, but she would pray hard that she had not entrapped her adopted nation in the process.

"You bring up a very interesting option in regards to the conundrum of our merchant marine. I see this as an extraordinary opportunity. For the vessels of the union to provide all shipping in and out of the Almohad Empire would provide you a virtual monoply of goods. I am sure our Sultana would be willing to engage the Imperial navy in the defense of such ships, but you should perhaps think carefully on this. For, if the warning of the Portuguese is true, military escort by ships flying the colors of Algiers may only make your merchant ships targets of hostile fire, rather than shield them with the protection you seek. But protection against pirates is of mutual benefit, nonetheless. Let us ponder this some more and perhaps a solution will present itself, si?"

Anna Maria Rosa, casually scratched some notes while she spoke, trying to appear pleasant. This message would go to the Sultana who could make immediate use of these resources. In the meantime, the Lady Consigliore would need to keep the merchants of Piedmonte as happy as circumstances would allow.

"Bravo signore, I assume that there are preparations you must make, no? However, before you go perhaps you will join me for mass? There are few opporunities for Catholic mass in my country, but the Cathedral that graces our Capitol would rival any you have seen. May I entice you to join me for the noon service?"

She rose and curtsied, as a servant took he message away. She offered her hand to her guest, and understood that this was a relationship that would require careful attention.