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• 1 media/Almohad_Expansion.png 2023-05-04T17:31:18-07:00 The Failures of Norman Multiculturalism in North Africa 5 image_header 2023-05-11T10:15:03-07:00 When comparing the progress of Norman cross-cultural and multicultural practices throughout their domain, it might be easy to be surprised by the failures of these practices in North Africa. Throughout their conquest, it wasn't uncommon for the occasional uprising in their domain, as it is normal for any kingdom or empire to have dissent. The collapse of the Kingdom of Africa can seemingly be pointed to the Normans losing to the Almohad Caliphate in the Maghreb. However, local revolts in the region since the Normans created their African kingdom opens up a path for a differing perspective. If we were to take a closer look, arguments can be made that the major cause came from the Normans attempting to rapidly influence the region of North Africa with both Christianity and their Siculo-Norman influence.
  As mentioned, the benefits of Muslims under Norman rule only went so far. Norman attempts to rapidly flood the region with Christians and Siculo-Norman influence in major North African cities was arguably the main catalyst for civil unrest. For the average Berber living in the countryside or amongst their tribe, the rapid expansion of military garrisons in major cities was alarming as well, signaling to the Muslims that the Norman expansion in Africa wasn't going to stop in Ifriqiya. On top of that, local Muslim rulers who served the Normans approached these tribes to collect the jizyah tax, which was used to bring tax revenue to the Muslims. Instead, they were now being taxed for being Muslim. Combining all these elements, the failures of the Normans to rapidly influence their African domains culturally and religiously can arguably be tied to its failure to stabilize and control the region long term.