Political and Social Impacts of the Migrations of the Banu Hilal and Banu Sulaym Tribes on the Central Maghreb in the 5th and 6th Hijri Centuries

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the political and social impacts of the migrations of the Banu Hilal and Banu Sulaym tribes on the Central Maghreb during the 5th and 6th centuries AH. It seeks to identify the causes of these migrations and trace their political, demographic, cultural, and religious effects. The research also aims to reveal the role of these migrations in the disintegration of existing states and the establishment of tribal emirates, to analyze changes in the nature of governance and political influence, and to assess transformations in the social and economic fabric. Furthermore, it examines the impact of these migrations on Arabization and the strengthening of the Sunni doctrine. The study follows the historical-analytical method, relying on the analysis of historical events and facts according to the principles of historical inference, comparing sources, and interpreting causes and outcomes. The research employs traditional tools used in historical studies, notably the analysis of written sources (historical books and manuscripts) and secondary references, as well as the examination of available documents and records related to the migration of the tribes and their effects. The results indicate that the migrations of Banu Hilal and Banu Sulaym were driven by a combination of political, economic, religious, social, and natural factors, most notably tensions with the Fatimid state, scarcity of resources in Upper Egypt, population growth, and the nomadic pastoral lifestyle. These migrations led to the weakening and disintegration of the Zirid and Hammadid states, the emergence of independent tribal emirates such as Gabès and Sfax, and a shift in governance from centralization to a system based on tribal loyalties. They also caused demographic and ethnic changes with the rise of the Arab element, Arabization of language and culture, and transformations in the social and economic structure, as well as strengthening the presence of Sunni Islam in the Central Maghreb .