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

In the early 18th century, as Moulay Ismail's reign drew to a close, Morocco was ruled by a woman: Khenata al-Barnousiyya, the Jewish-born queen who held the Alaouite empire together through regency, diplomacy, and sheer political will. This episode explores how Khenata rose from the harem to become de facto sultana, managing the Makhzen, negotiating with the rebellious Ait Yafelman Berbers, and keeping the empire stable during a turbulent succession. We discuss her origins in the Barnous tribe, her conversion to Islam, her role in the Abid al-Bukhari slave army's loyalty, and the legacy she left as one of the most powerful women in Moroccan history. With context drawn from earlier episodes on Moulay Ismail and the Black Guard, this is the story of a queen who wielded power without the title.

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