The Diplomatic Representation in the Era of the Umayyad Caliphate in Andalusia

Abstract

The era of the Umayyad Caliphate in Andalusia is considered one of the most prosperous eras in that period, as there was diplomatic representation represented in political treaties, embassies and delegations between Cordoba and most of the Christian kingdoms, especially after the rule of Caliph Abd al-Rahman al-Nasir expanded and he gained prestige among the Muslim rulers and the kings of the Christian kingdoms surrounding him; therefore, many delegations came to him, including the Christian kings of the northern kingdoms such as Castile and other kingdoms, offering him loyalty, obedience and allegiance; not only that; but there was diplomatic representation between him and the leaders of the tribes of Morocco who obeyed him, and sent their delegations to him to strengthen the pillars of their love for him. It is also clear to us that diplomatic representation in Andalusia was not limited to the political aspect only; rather, the embassies varied during the era of Caliph Abd al-Rahman al-Nasir and his son al-Hakam alMustansir between commercial embassies, medical embassies, cultural embassies and exchange of expertise.It is clear to us that the Umayyad Caliphate in Andalusia during the reign of Caliph Abd al-Rahman al-Nasir and his son al-Hakam alMustansir was at the height of its power; therefore, many embassies came to it and they concluded treaties that were in the interest of the Islamic state. When the Amirid state was established, it followed the same policy and many embassies came to Andalusia. When the chamberlain al-Mansur ibn Abi Amir died, especially at the end of the weak rulers of the Umayyad state, the disintegration began among the Muslims and the balance of power shifted in favor of the Christian kingdoms that concluded treaties with the weak rulers of the Umayyad state, which brought them benefit and expansion at the expense of the lands of the Muslims in Andalusia.