The Almoravids forged strong ties with their neighbors, and women held a special position in Almoravid society.
Abdullah bin Yasin founded the Almoravid state in Morocco in 1042 AH / 434 AD. Its rule lasted for 107 years. Among its most prominent rulers was Yusuf ibn Tashfin, who built the city of Marrakech in 1070 AD and made it the capital of his state, stretching from the Sahara in the south to Andalusia in the north. By doing so, he would control the most important trade routes connecting Morocco with Sudan, from which he imported ivory, dates, oils, textiles, salt, jewelry, perfumes, and more.
SAHARAN TRADE
The Almoravids were interested in trans-Saharan trade, which strengthened their relations with their neighbors in sub-Saharan Africa. The Almoravids divided the country into three routes: the coastal route along the Atlantic Ocean, an inland route connecting various regions of the Almoravid state, and another route connecting the main route to secondary routes. After the Almoravids gained power, they waged war on Andalusia. They pursued a policy towards Christians by honoring their treaties and supporting the Almoravid army, and towards Muslims by protecting their interests, eliminating sedition, and respecting Almoravid jurists.
Among the most important Almoravid female figures was Zaynab bint Ishaq al-Nafzawiyyah, known in Tamazight as Zaynab Tanfrawut. She was originally from Qairawan and played a significant role in expanding the Almoravid state.