Moulay Ismail Ibn Sharif Moroccan ruler believed to be the father of 888 children Country: Morocco

Biography of Moulay Ismail Ibn Sharif

Moulay Ismail Ibn Sharif was a Moroccan political figure and the second ruler of the Alawite dynasty. He proclaimed himself a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, tracing his lineage back to the grandson of the prophet, Al-Hasan Ibn Ali Ibn Abi Talib. Known as the "Warrior King," Moulay Ismail had many enemies who feared and hated him for his incredible cruelty. However, he managed to hold onto the throne for over 50 years with the help of his personal guard, the legendary Black Guard.

Moulay Ismail succeeded his step-brother Moulay Al-Rashid as the ruler of Morocco in 1672 after the latter's fatal fall from a horse. When he took over, the country was unstable due to constant internal wars and changes in leadership. Moulay Ismail built a new capital city called Meknes, which was known as the "Versailles of Morocco" for its extravagant luxury and beauty. During its construction, funds were not spared, and it is said that some stones were even brought from ancient Roman ruins. Similar to Louis XIV, Moulay Ismail built a complex and opulent imperial palace, along with other monuments in the city.

Despite his reputation for cruelty, Moulay Ismail achieved certain successes during his reign, earning him the title of one of the greatest rulers of Morocco. He fought against the Ottoman Empire in 1679, 1682, and 1695, reclaiming Morocco's independence and respect. Another major challenge for the country was European occupation, as Europeans had occupied several major coastal ports. Moulay Ismail managed to recapture La Mamora from the Spanish in 1681, Tangier from the English in 1684, and Larache from the Spanish in 1689. The French played a significant role in his victories, as he maintained warm relations with Louis XIV. French officers trained and supported Moroccan troops and collaborated on various peaceful projects.

Like many eastern rulers of the time, Moulay Ismail actively used slave labor, with approximately 25,000 captives working on the construction of Meknes. He occasionally repatriated Christian slaves in exchange for significant compensation. Most of the captives were provided by Berber pirates. Moulay Ismail's Black Guard played a crucial role in maintaining order in the countryside, collecting taxes, and suppressing rebellions. The Guard also protected the ruler, and though they occasionally participated in military operations, they were usually assigned less important tasks. The Black Guard consisted of 80 soldiers armed with muskets and scimitars, and they remained fiercely loyal to Moulay Ismail.

Legend has it that Moulay Ismail fathered an incredible 888 children, although official records confirm 867 children – 525 sons and 342 daughters, a record that still stands to this day. After his death, the country was plunged into a series of civil wars as his numerous offspring fought for the vacant throne. The Black Guard, who had remained devoted to the late ruler, was almost completely wiped out. Only a few managed to escape the massacre.