Jawhar al-Siqilli

Type Figure Region Egypt Time c. 920–992 Also known as Jawhar the Sicilian

Jawhar al-Siqilli was a Sicilian-born Fatimid general and statesman, originally a slave, who conquered Egypt in 969, founded Cairo as the Fatimid cap…

Timeline

c. 920–950Sicily · SicilyJawhar was born or raised in Sicily, later brought to the Fatimid court in North Africa, converted to Shia Islam, and gradually gained trust through his abilities.
c. 950–969Mahdia · TunisiaServed as an important general under Fatimid caliph al-Mu'izz, taking part in military operations in North Africa and the Mediterranean, accumulating reputation and experience for the expedition to Egypt.
969–973Cairo · EgyptIn 969 he led an army to defeat the remnants of the Ikhshidid dynasty, occupied Egypt, and planned the new city of Cairo (al-Qāhira), overseeing the construction of palaces, walls, and the al-Azhar mosque, laying the foundation for Fatimid rule in Egypt.
973–992Cairo · EgyptAfter the caliph arrived in Egypt he continued serving as vizier, overseeing administration and construction until his death in 992, leaving Fatimid Egypt a solid capital and institutional legacy.

Sources

Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition: Jawhar al-Ṣiqillī — P. J. Bearman et al. (eds.)
The Cambridge History of Egypt, Vol. 1: Islamic Egypt, 640-1517 — Carl F. Petry (ed.) (1998)