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Islamic & Medieval Era
Hammad ibn Buluggin
Early Islamic / Medieval
Leaders & StatesmenEarly 11th centuryConstantine
The ruins of Qal'at Bani Hammad are today a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Historical significance
He founded the Hammadid dynasty, a major medieval power based in eastern Algeria.
Their story
Sent to govern the central Maghreb, Hammad broke from his Zirid cousins, switched religious allegiance and built a fortified capital high in the mountains, called Qal'at Bani Hammad. Around it grew palaces, mosques and markets that drew scholars and merchants from across North Africa.
Did you know?
The ruins of Qal'at Bani Hammad are today a UNESCO World Heritage site.