Welcome to Rissani, snuggled in the Tafilalt oasis. Once a dashing Medieval city known as Sijilmasa, it was a strategic trade hub at the Northern edge of the Sahara. The city found its roots post Berber uprisings against the Umayyads, flourishing under the Sufrite Kharijites. One of its early leaders, 'Isa bin Mazid al-Aswad, suffered a 14-year reign due to corruption. The Midrar dynasty took over post his exit, ruling until the Almoravids seized power. Caravans would traverse Sijilmasa from the Maghreb to the Sahara, making it a crucial link for gold from Sudan, much of which was minted right here. Sijilmasa was also graced by the illustrious traveler, Ibn Battuta, who couldn't help but extol the quality of the dates grown in the city.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Friendly Jane
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