The Ḥafṣid domination of Northwest Africa in the 15th Century: The reign of Abū ʿAmr ʿUthmān (1435–1488)

Abstract

In 1427, the Mamlūk Sultanate, ruled by Al-Ashraf Barsbāy (1422–1438), seized Cyprus. In 1453, the Ottoman Sultanate, ruled by Meḥmed II (1444–1446/1451–1481), captured the city of Byzantium, Constantinople. Hence, Western and Eastern historians and scholars have focused their writings on these two states. This research highlights the efforts of the Ḥafṣid ruler, Abū ʿAmr ʿUthmān (1435–1488), and clarifies the results of those efforts. This paper also outlines the political statuses of the kingdoms in Northwest Africa. It illustrates how ʿUthmān exploited the circumstances of the Northwest African kingdoms to extend his influence. Consequently, it affirms that ʿUthmān was a Majestic sultan in Northwest Africa. This study uses the historical method and examines primary sources on the subject of the reign of Abū ʿAmr ʿUthmān.