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Today in History: Muhammad ibn Yusuf elected Arjona ruler, Granada founder

7/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 16 July 1232, Muhammad ibn Yusuf—later called Muhammad I—was chosen as ruler of his native Arjona in southern Spain. Capitalizing on Al-Andalus’s decline, he rebelled against Ibn Hud, briefly seized Córdoba and Seville, and set in motion the Nasrid Emirate of Granada, the Iberian Peninsula’s last Muslim kingdom.

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Story summary

On 16 July 1232, Muhammad ibn Yusuf—later called Muhammad I—was chosen as ruler of his native Arjona in southern Spain. Capitalizing on Al-Andalus’s decline, he rebelled against Ibn Hud, briefly seized Córdoba and Seville, and set in motion the Nasrid Emirate of Granada, the Iberian Peninsula’s last Muslim kingdom.