Tariq Bin Ziyad, one of the legendary commanders of the Middle Ages, is a leader who left his mark on the stage of history not only with his military strategy and victories, but also with the geographical point he named after. This Berber commander, carrying the strong arms of Islam, landed in Spain in 711, crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and opened the way to victory.
Straits of GibraltarIt is not only a geographical passage separating two continents, but also a historical turning point. Its name is identified with the unforgettable decision of the Islamic commander Tariq Bin Ziyad. Tariq Bin Ziyad, who crossed the strait with his army of thousands of people in 711, left his mark on history with his decision to burn the ships as soon as he set foot on land. This bold and strategic move is the one used today. ‘Burn one’s boats’ It inspired the phrase.
This story, hidden in the waters of the Bosphorus and among the rocks that bear its name, is not only the story of a military victory but also the brave decision of a leader. So, who is Tariq Bin Ziyad and why is the Strait of Gibraltar named after him so important? What is the origin of the phrase ‘burning ships’?
Features of the Strait of Gibraltar
Straits of GibraltarIt is a strategic waterway connecting the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean and separating the European and African continents. in ancient times “Pillars of Hercules” This strait, also known as strait, is 60 km long and 44 km wide. Its deepest point is -426 m and is named after Tariq bin Ziyad. In terms of political control, the management of the strait is in the hands of three countries: the United Kingdom (by the autonomous region of Gibraltar), Spain and Morocco.
There is a strong surface current in the strait from east to west. At depth, there is a weaker current from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean. Both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar are surrounded by steep cliffs. Many large ships and small fishing boats pass through both coasts, which are similar in terms of vegetation, every year. This shows that the region is important in terms of lively trade and maritime traffic. Tangier, on the African coast of the Bosphorus, has an international status that prevents settlement there.
Political Importance of the Strait of Gibraltar
Straits of GibraltarIt is a geographical region of great political importance because it separates the continents of Europe and Africa. England, Morocco and SpainThis strait, which is under the sovereignty of , hosts approximately 7,500 ship passages per year. Due to transportation advantage strategically located The Strait of Gibraltar has been an important waterway since ancient times and attracts attention with its features.
There is a strong current from east to west on the surface of the strait, but this current decreases at depth. Surrounded by steep cliffs on both sides, the geographical features of the strait are of great importance. The Strait of Gibraltar, also known as the Strait of Septe, is not under the sovereignty of a single country; It is under the control of Spain, the United Kingdom and Morocco. The narrowest point of the Strait of Gibraltar is the 14-kilometer section between Cape Cires and Cape Tarija.
History of the Strait of Gibraltar
The region, known as “Calpe” in ancient times, took its current name from the Arab commander Tariq bin Ziyad. While the word “cebel” means mountain in Arabic, “Jebel-i Tarık” expression “Tariq’s mountain” It means. Tarık bin Ziyad had a castle built in the north of the Bosphorus to ensure its security.
Gibraltar passed from the Arabs to the Spanish in 1462 and was officially annexed to Spanish territory in 1502. However, it was captured by the British-Dutch naval forces on July 24, 1704, and with the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, Spain agreed to officially hand over the castle to the United Kingdom.
The widest part of the strait is the section between Spartel and Trafalgar capes. The middle parts of the strait are the shallowest areas. Settlements along the strait include Tangier, Barbate and Ceuta; these are affiliated with Spain, Morocco and the United Kingdom respectively.
The Strait of Gibraltar has been declared a colony throughout history, causing some problems between Spain and the United Kingdom. Various votes were held to solve these problems. Spanish sovereignty was rejected in a vote in 1967, but in 1969 Gibraltar agreed to become a protectorate of the United Kingdom.
Perejil Island, is a rocky island located in the Strait of Gibraltar and is a major cause of tensions between Morocco and Spain. Although the island is located just 250 meters from the coast of Morocco, it is only 8 km from Spain. Morocco’s landing of troops on the island in 2002 increased the tension between Morocco and Spain. Then, Spain sent troops to the island, further deepening the sovereignty crisis.
Tariq Bin Ziyad, the commander who conquered Spain, laid the foundation of the Islamic state that would rule in Spain until 1492. Count Julianos’ anger towards the Visigoth King Rodrigo became an incentive for the conquest of Spain when he appealed to Musa Bin Nusayr. Musa Bin Nusayr sent Tariq Bin Ziyad to Spain with an army of approximately 7 thousand people in 711. Tariq Bin Ziyad, who burned all the ships as soon as he landed and dragged his soldiers into an irreversible situation, changed the course of the war with this strategy.
The Story of the Idiom ‘Burning the Ships’
The famous Umayyad commander Tariq bin Ziyad is a leader who became a legend of his time. He crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and set foot in Spain with his army of thousands of people. Tariq bin ZiyadWhen he lands, he encounters a difficult situation waiting for him. The rumor that the King of Spain will prepare a large army and attack begins to create anxiety and fear among his soldiers. Tariq bin Ziyad turns this difficult moment into an opportunity and demonstrates his courage and leadership skills.
Tariq bin Ziyad gathers his soldiers on a high hill and orders the few soldiers he left on the beach to burn the ships. The soldiers were surprised by this order and were forced to come They set the ships on fire. Tariq bin Ziyad watches the ships burn with his soldiers climbing the hill. Taking advantage of this critical moment, he tells the soldiers the following words that left their mark on history:
“As you see, there is no way back now. We burned the ships… We either fight the incoming Spanish army and move forward, or we die. Fight accordingly!”
The soldiers, who have no choice but to fight, fight against the army of the King of Spain with their courage and leadership and win. This event enabled them to lay the foundations of the Andalusian Umayyad state. This historic determination and courage of Tariq bin Ziyad highlights his superior abilities in leadership and strategy.
Tariq Bin Ziyad, Who Established Islamic Domination in Andalusia
Tariq bin ZiyadHe was an Umayyad commander of Berber origin who established Islamic dominance in Andalusia. The name of the Strait of Gibraltar comes from him. Visigothic Kingdom in SpainHe was an important commander who went to Spain in 711 upon the invitation of Spanish Jews and some Visigoth rulers during the period when the country was weakened and conquered many important cities.
It is known that Tariq bin Ziyad, who is generally accepted to have come from a Berber family living in North Africa, was taken prisoner during the conquest of North Africa and after his release, he entered the service of the Umayyad governor Musa bin Nusayr. Although there are various claims about its origin, it is generally known as Berber. After participating in the conquest of Tangier and Ceuta, he became governor of Tangier in 708 and remained in this position until the conquest of Andalusia.
Musa bin NusayrTariq bin Ziyad, who was sent to Spain in 711 upon the request of , crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and landed in Spain with a force of 7000 people. Tariq bin Ziyad, who instilled courage in his soldiers, “Behind you is the sea like an enemy, in front of you is an enemy like the sea. Where will you run to? He said, breaking his hope of returning. After crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, he achieved his first victory by taking the cities of Carteya and Algeziras.
Tarık bin Ziyad, who asked for help from Musa bin Nusayr after the Visigoth king Rodrigo came upon him, inflicted a heavy defeat on the Visigoth king in the Battle of Guadalete with his 5000-person aid force. Tarık bin Ziyad, who captured Toledo by the order of Musa bin Nusayr, later conquered the cities of Córdoba, Archidor and Libire.
Tariq bin Ziyad, who did not obey the orders of Musa bin Nusayr after the conquest of Spain, was scolded by Musa bin Nusayr. However, Tariq bin Ziyad continued his successes and captured cities such as Córdoba, Archidor and Libire after Toledo in 712. Although he was scolded for not listening to Musa bin Nusayr’s orders, his successes in the conquest of Spain were significant.
After the conquest of Spain, Musa bin Nusayr complained about Tarık bin Ziyad to Caliph Velid I. However, the caliph learned that Tariq bin Ziyad was the real conqueror. He did not punish but did not send him back to his country. Tariq bin Ziyad lived in Syria until his death.
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