The Emirate of Bourghawata: A Complex Chapter in Moroccan History

The Emirate of Bourghawata is one of the most enigmatic chapters in Moroccan history. Emerging in the eighth century as an independent political entity, it was founded by Amazigh tribes that had grown disillusioned with the governance of the Umayyad Caliphate. This emirate, which blended politics, religion, and cultural identity, left an indelible mark on the history of Morocco, despite its eventual demise. Its story is marked by a unique mixture of resistance, innovation, and controversy, reflecting the turbulent dynamics of early Islamic North Africa.

The Emirate of Barghawata
The Emirate of Barghawata

The Foundation of the Bourghwata Emirate

The roots of the Bourghwata Emirate trace back to Tarif ibn Malik, an Amazigh leader who played a significant role in the early Islamic conquests of the Iberian Peninsula. In 710 CE, Tarif led a reconnaissance mission across the Strait of Gibraltar, paving the way for the subsequent Islamic conquest of Al-Andalus. Following his contributions to these conquests, Tarif returned to the Tamesna region in central Morocco, where he established a base of power among the local Amazigh tribes. It is from his lineage that the name "Bourghwata" originated, with the emirate's name reflecting his legacy. However, it was Tarif's son, Salih ibn Tarif, who would transform the Bourghwata Emirate into a unique political and religious entity. Around 744 CE, Salih declared himself a prophet, claiming divine revelations and composing a new scripture in the Amazigh language. This marked the beginning of a new religion that blended elements of Islam with pre-Islamic Amazigh traditions. The emirate's establishment was a direct response to dissatisfaction with Umayyad governance, particularly their treatment of the Amazigh tribes.

The Role of Amazigh Tribes in the Bourghwata Emirate

The Bourghwata Emirate was not composed of a single tribe but rather a coalition of Amazigh tribes united under Salih's leadership. The Tamesna region, where the emirate was based, provided a fertile and strategic heartland, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the High Atlas Mountains to the east. This geographical advantage enabled the state to consolidate their power and resist external threats. Amazigh tribes had long been significant players in the history of North Africa. They were instrumental in the success of the Islamic conquests, yet their relationship with the Arab rulers was fraught with tension. Many Amazigh tribes had converted to Islam willingly, but they rejected the hierarchical and often exploitative governance imposed by the Umayyads. This discontent laid the foundation for the state’s emergence as an independent political and religious entity.

The New Religion of Bourghwata

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Bourghwata Emirate was its religious ideology. Salih ibn Tarif's claim to prophethood and his introduction of a new scripture marked a dramatic departure from mainstream Islam. This new religion incorporated Islamic principles, Amazigh cultural practices, and elements of local traditions. Salih's scripture, written in the Amazigh language, consisted of 80 suras and was meant to replace the Quran for his followers. Salih's religious teachings introduced several controversial practices. He forbade the consumption of certain animals, such as chickens and roosters, and introduced unique marital regulations. For instance, marrying cousins was discouraged, while unions with outsiders were encouraged to expand the community. Salih's claims of divine authority extended to rituals that emphasized his own sanctity, such as followers licking his spit as a form of blessing. This syncretic religion was not universally accepted. It alienated many Muslims, who viewed it as heretical. However, it served as a unifying force for the Amazigh tribes under Bourghwata rule. It also reinforced their cultural identity in the face of external pressures, particularly from Arab-dominated caliphates.

Geopolitical Context of the Bourghwata

The establishment of the Bourghwata Emirate occurred during a period of significant upheaval in North Africa. The Islamic conquests had brought sweeping changes to the region, but they also generated resistance and rebellion. In Morocco, dissatisfaction with Umayyad rule culminated in the Kharijite revolts of the eighth century, which sought to challenge the central authority of the caliphate. The Bourghwata were one of several Amazigh-led movements that sought independence from the Umayyads. Other notable examples include the Emirate of Nekor in northern Morocco and the Midrarid dynasty in Sijilmasa. These entities reflected a broader pattern of decentralization and the assertion of local identities in the Islamic West. The Bourghwata’s geographical location also played a crucial role in their survival. The Tamesna region was a fertile and resource-rich area, bordered by rivers such as the Abu Raqraq and Umm al-Rabia. These natural barriers provided a measure of protection against external attacks. Additionally, the emirate’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean facilitated trade with neighboring regions and even distant lands such as Andalusia and Genoa.

Decline of the Bourghwata Emirate

Despite their initial success, the Bourghwata Emirate eventually faced significant challenges. Their religious ideology, while unifying for their followers, alienated neighboring Muslim powers. The Almoravids, a Sunni Amazigh dynasty that rose to prominence in the eleventh century, viewed the Bourghwata as heretics and a threat to Islamic orthodoxy. Under the leadership of Abu Bakr ibn Umar, the Almoravids launched a campaign to subdue the Bourghwata. This campaign culminated in the emirate’s defeat and the eradication of its religious practices. The Almoravids’ victory marked the end of the Bourghwata as a political entity, but their legacy endured in the cultural memory of the region. The Bourghwata Emirate remains a subject of fascination and debate among historians. Much of what is known about the emirate comes from later sources, often written by their adversaries. These accounts tend to portray the Bourghwata in a negative light, emphasizing their alleged heresies and unconventional practices. However, modern scholarship has sought to provide a more balanced perspective. The Bourghwata are increasingly recognized as a reflection of the complex dynamics of early Islamic North Africa. Their story highlights the interplay between religion, culture, and politics, as well as the agency of Amazigh communities in shaping their own destinies. The Bourghwata’s religious innovations, while controversial, also underscore the diversity of early Islamic thought and the ways in which local traditions could interact with and transform broader religious frameworks. Their use of the Amazigh language in religious scripture is particularly noteworthy, as it represents an early assertion of Amazigh identity within the Islamic world.

Conclusion

The Emirate of Bourghwata is a compelling example of the complexities of early Islamic history in North Africa. Founded by Amazigh tribes seeking independence and cultural autonomy, the emirate blended political ambition with religious innovation. While its new religion and practices were controversial, they served as a unifying force for its followers and a means of asserting Amazigh identity. Although the Bourghwata Emirate was ultimately defeated by the Almoravids, its legacy endures as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Amazigh people. Its story offers valuable insights into the dynamics of power, identity, and resistance in a region that has long been at the crossroads of civilizations.

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