Aysun

Who was Aysun?

Aysun was the son of Sulayman al-Arabi

Aysun, together with his father Sulayman al-Arabi, joined Charlemagne's army that besieged Zaragoza in 788. As Zaragoza surrender to Charlemagne he took hostages from his allies, including Sulayman al-Arabi.

Aysun and his brother Matruh ben Sulayman al-Arabi were allied to the Basques, and at Roncesvalles they attacked the baggage train of the frankish army releasing their father. Their father returned to Zaragoza and sent to Matruh to govern Barcelona. However in 780 Sulayman was killed by his former friend and Husayn of Zaragoza.

As a result Aysun gave his loyalty to the Emir of Cordoba who was seeking to impose control over the northern Iberian states. He participated in the assault on Zaragoza in 781 and in subsequent expeditions into Basque territories and Cerdaña, moving on then to Barcelona where his brother as Wali also submitted to the Emir.

Aysun had two servants called Amrus and Sabrit, who after 785 served Matruh. Matruh rebelled and took Huesca and Zaragoza in about 789. However he was killed by Amrus and Sarhabil ibn Saltan al-Zawagi in 791 or 792.