The Relationship of Imam Sharaf al-Din Yahya bin Shams al-Din with the Centers of Power in Yemen (877-965 H / 1437-1558)

Abstract

The research highlighted the character of Imam Sharaf al-Din Yahya bin Shams al-Din and his relationship with the centers of power in Yemen، the political situation at that time (877-965 H / 1473-1558) ، his defeat of this force one after another، and his control over several regions of Yemen. He became the sole control. There was greatness in it، and his sons - especially Al-Mutahhar and Shams Al-Din - were able to extend the influence of their father، the Imam in the different regions of Yemen. and the Mamluks had only the Tihama and the Tahirids had only Aden. They also controlled many areas of al-Ashraf (the nobles) and Imams in the far north until he reached Najran. He also extended his control over the Ismailis areas. But when the areas of influence of Imam Sharf al-Din were divided between his sons، and disagreement and dispute between them arose، his state had been weakened. After the arrival of the Ottoman Empire to Yemen led by of Suleiman Pasha Al-Khadim in 1538، he was able to extend the actual Ottoman Empire's influence over coastal areas، the Mamluks، and eliminated the Mamluks in Zabid and the rest of the Tahirids in Aden. Shortly after his departure، and because of the disagreement that broke out between the family of Imam Sharaf al-Din، the Ottomans were able to expand into the interior regions، taking over many of the Imam’s regions، including Sana’a.

The research is divided into five axes: the first axis dealt with the political situation in Yemen before the emergence of Imam Sharaf al-Din. The second axis discussed Imam Sharaf al-Din’s relationship with the Mamluks. The third axis touched on his relationship with al-ashraaf (the nobles)، the imams، and the Ismailis. Whereas the fourth axis presented his relationship with the Tahirids، especially after the Tahirid Sultan Ghamer bin Abdulwahab was killed by the Mamluks. As for the fifth and final axis، it touched on his relationship with the Ottomans and the reasons that helped them to expand their influence in many regions of Yemen.