The Fitna of al-Andalus (1009–1031) is a period of instability and civil war that precedes the ultimate collapse of the Caliphate of Córdoba.
It begins in the year 1009 with a coup d'état that leads to the assassination of Abd al-Rahman Sanchuelo, the son of Almanzor, the deposition of the Caliph Hisham II al-Hakam, and the rise to power of Muhammad II of Córdoba, great-grandson of Abd-ar-Rahman III.
The conflict will eventually divide all of Al-Andalus into a series of Taifa Kingdoms.
The Fitna finally ends with the definitive abolition of the Cordoban Caliphate in 1031, although various successor kingdoms will continue to claim the caliphate for themselves.
In addition to the political turmoil, large purges are also carried out by Almanzor throughout his territories.
The added pressures of financial collapse are present due to the large tax burden placed on the populace to finance the continuous war.Throughout the conflict, various Muslim kingdoms are aided by the Christian kingdoms to the north, both in an official capacity and by mercenary Christian soldiers.
Cordoba and its suburbs are repeatedly looted during the war, completely destroying many iconic monuments such as the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos and the Medina Azahara.
The capital is temporarily moved to Málaga.
In a little less than twenty years, ten different caliphates emerge as successor states to the Caliphate of Cordoba (among them is a restored kingdom under Hisham II).
Three of these successor kingdoms form a dynastic succession line known as the Hammudid Dynasty.
