The Role of the Fatimid Fleet in Annexing Sicily and establishing it as a Base for Jihad against the Byzantine Empire

Abstract

The Fatimid era witnessed significant maritime expansion in the Mediterranean sea. The Fatimid fleet played a pivotal role in controlling strategic islands and sites to protect vital Coasts, Including the islands of Sicily, which held military and political importance in confronting the Byzantine Empire. The Fatimid fleet was also established as a central naval force to protect the coasts and expand influence. Ports such as Mahdia in the east and Tripoli in the west were used as launching points, in was developed in terms of size organization, and modern naval capabilities at the time.