
Almoravid movement
The Almoravid movement was a significant Islamic reform and expansion in the 11th century, originating from the Sahara desert in present-day Morocco. It began as a religious movement aiming to purify Islamic practice and combat perceived laxity in faith. The Almoravids united various Berber tribes and expanded their territory into parts of North Africa and Spain, establishing a vast empire. They emphasized strict adherence to Islamic laws and values, impacting the culture, architecture, and politics of the region. Their rule eventually declined, but their influence shaped the history of medieval North Africa and Andalusia.