Yaqub, Almohad Caliph
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Abu Yusuf Ya'qub al-Mansur (Arabic: ابو يوسف يعقوب المنصور) (c. 1160 – January 23, 1199) (also known as Moulay Yacoub), was the third Almohad caliph, succeeding his father Abu Ya'qub Yusuf. He reigned from 1184 until 1199. He died in Marrakech, Morocco. During his reign, he undertook several major projects. He built the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech and attempted to build what would have been the world's largest mosque in Rabat. However, construction on the mosque stopped after al-Mansur died. Only the beginnings of the mosque had been completed, including the Hassan Tower. Al-Mansur protected the philosopher Averroes and kept him as a favorite at court.
In the Battle of Alarcos, on July 18, 1195, he defeated Castilian King Alfonso VIII. After victory, he took the title al-Mansur Billah ("Made Victorious by God").
The town of Moulay Yacoub, outside of Fez, Morocco, is named for Al-Mansur, and is best known for its therapeutic hot springs.
| Preceded by Abu Ya'qub Yusuf |
Almohad dynasty 1184–1199 |
Succeeded by Muhammad an-Nasir |
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