The Mishalid Dynasty
Inception - 1066
Ever since the end of the Caliphate of Córdoba in AD 1031, the Emirate of Toledo has stood strong against the prowling Christians to the north. However, times grew dark as the incompetent Dhunnunids faded from existence in the mid 1060's. The one who brought light to the dark realm was a rather shady noble by the name of Mishalid (Apparently it means 'torch' or 'light' in Arabic) who miraculously brought about stability and relative prosperity to the Emirate of Toledo.
The military man himself:
This man has always been glorified and remembered as a Sultan.
First decisive war, to 'liberate' what land is left of the Sheik in Larida:
This was a risky move against a fellow Muslim, however, Mishal knew that the pesky King of Aragon would engulf all of the lands to the north east.
There seems to be a lull and no one decides to record what happens during the 1070's and early 1080's period. (I misjudged where the screenshot button is and was pressing a button that did absolutely nothing instead.)
Towards the ending of Mishal's reign we see the Kingdom of Castille to the north being slain and usurped by Mishal. Historians argue that an intricate web of alliances with the Aftasids (Badajoz), Almovarids and Sevillans helped Mishal repell the northern coalition of Galicia, Navarra, Aragon, Leon and France. The presence of holy Muslim warriors from the Levant must have also contributed to Mishal's success. However, one must note of the infighting between Leon and Galicia which faltered the coalition's efforts.
In 1084, Mishal decides to start another holy war, this time against the tyrants in Aragon:
Obviously Mishal wins. However he also dies shortly after (Probably from the loss of a limb), having fulfilled a stable future for his realm and his son, Suleyman. (I recall this war as being pretty hard; those Muslim holy orders saved the day!)
The life of Suleyman I 'the just'
Many men at the time, regarded Suleyman as a man of the people. He was firstly just, kind, and temperate, and people found next to no excuse not to like him...early on at least.
At the start of his reign, he allocated all of the available emirates and counties away to their rightful de jure controller:
He is also known for creating the first major Islamic Merchant Republic:
For the remaining decade, not much is accomplished, other than the acquisition of Valadolid from the Kingdom of Leon. Suleyman is forced to be a consolidative ruler.
In 1114, with France occupied with either the Kaiser or their friends in England, Suleyman saw an opportunity and was sanctioned a holy war by the Sunni Caliph to attack Navarra:
And of course, it was a success.
In 1116, the sultan waged a war against the allies in Mallorca. At a loss of 250 prestige, this was worth it, because he was putting a member of our great dynasty on the young Mallorcan throne!
This war proved successful and Suleyman's grandson is appointed the heir to the Mishalid Sultanate as well as Mallorca. I guess this is a personal union.
1 year later (1119) Suleyman prepares for another war, all he needs is permission from his now son-in-law, Sunni Caliph (his daughter married le caliph!) for a holy war (this decision is now %100 in my favor, if I ask for a holy war, I always get it).
Tune in for Part 1
