Morocco's Jewish Queen: The Khenata al-Barnousiyya Regency

In the early 18th century, Morocco was ruled by a Jewish woman named Khenata al-Barnousiyya. Widow of Sultan Moulay Ismail, she served as regent for her young son Moulay Abdallah, navigating tribal rebellions, court intrigue, and the notorious Black Guard. This episode explores how a former slave rose to become de facto ruler, wielding power from the imperial city of Meknes. We discuss her strategic marriage alliances, her confrontation with the powerful Ait Yafelman tribe, and the legacy of her brief but effective reign. Discover how Khenata al-Barnousiyya, a Jewish woman in an Islamic empire, commanded armies, negotiated treaties, and kept the Alaouite dynasty intact during its most vulnerable moment. #Morocco #JewishHistory #KhenataAlBarnousiyya #Alaouite #MoulayIsmail #BlackGuard #Makhzen #Meknes #AitYafelman #Regency #NorthAfrica #18thCentury #Sijilmasa #Tafilalt #WomenInHistory #IslamicEmpire #BerberTribes #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo