The Influence of Various Ethnic Groups on the Formation of the Military Organisation in the Umayyad State in al-Andalus

This study examines the contributions of various ethnic elements within the military structure of the Umayyad Caliphate of al-Andalus and their roles in maintaining order. Utilising qualitative research methods, including historical document analysis and ethnographic techniques, the research reveals that Arabs initially held central military and administrative roles but were purged due to rebellions and replaced by loyal groups such as the Mawālī and Sakālibe, leading to a new military organisation. The loyalty of the Mawālī and the reliability of the Sakālibe brought them to the forefront of military and administrative services. The Muwallads and Berbers also assumed significant military roles, but rebelled during periods of weakened political authority. The findings demonstrate that the distrust towards rebellious groups transformed the military structure, and that ethnic diversity played a crucial role in shaping security strategies. The prominence of certain ethnic groups during specific periods, while others were purged by the state, serves to illustrate the dynamic changes that occurred in the state's military organisation.