Sidi al-Ayachi

Who is Sidi al-Ayachi?

Sidi al-Ayachi, also el-Ayachi or al-Ayashi, was a Moroccan marabout and warlord, who decided to make secession from the Sultan of Morocco Mulay Zaidan.

Since the death of Mulay al-Mansur in 1603, Morocco had progressively fallen into a state of anarchy, with the Sultan losing authority. Morocco was in a state of civil war, and the Spanish seized the opportunity to capture the cities of Larache in 1610 and then al-Ma'mura in 1614.

Based in Salé, Sidi al-Ayashi was leading a counter-offensive against Spain, privateering against its shipping, and obtaining the help of the Moriscos and the English. He managed to re-capture al-Mamura, and extended his power as far as Taza.

In April 1627, Sidi al-Ayachi revolted against the Sultan and attacked the harbour of Salé, which he captured and transformed into his own principality, the Republic of Bou Regreg, becoming the independent governor.

The English diplomat John Harrison negotiated a Treaty with Sidi al-Ayachi in May 1627, a month later. Salé became a sort of independent Republic.