Arab migrations to the Maghreb
The Arab migrations to the Maghreb was the centuries-long process of Arab people migrating and settling in the Maghreb region of North Africa (excluding Egypt), encompassing modern-day Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. The process lasted from the early 7th century to the 17th century.
Map depicting the routes Umayyad armies took during the Arab conquest of the Maghreb in the 7th century | |
| Date | c. 7th century — 17th century |
|---|---|
| Location | Maghreb, North Africa |
| Cause | See Causes |
| Participants | Total unknown:
|
| Outcome | Arab demographic growth, Arabization, Islamization and nomadization of the Maghreb |
The influx of Arabs to the Maghreb began in the 7th century with the Arab conquest of the Maghreb, when Arab armies conquered the region as part of the early Muslim conquests. This initial wave of Arab migration was followed by subsequent periods of migration and settlement, notably during the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates and later Arab dynasties. However, the most significant wave of Arab migration occurred in the 11th century with the arrival of more Bedouin tribes from the Arabian Peninsula, such as Banu Hilal, Banu Sulaym, and Maqil. The last significant wave of Arab migration to the Maghreb was from Al-Andalus in the 17th century as a result of the Reconquista. These migrants established numerous Arab empires and dynasties in the Maghreb, such as the Aghlabids, Idrisids, Sulaymanids, Salihids, Fatimids, Saadians and 'Alawites.
The Arab migrations to the Maghreb had a profound impact on the demographics and culture of the Maghreb. It resulted in significant Arab demographic growth, the Arabization of the Berber populations and the spread of the Arabic language and Arab culture throughout the region.