ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the imagery and symbolism that Amad al-Manr used to communicate his desired self-representation to his subjects. The rival caliphates of the fourth/tenth century depended heavily upon the use of symbolic imagery in establishing their political legitimacy, and they developed this imagery to an elaborate degree. Monographs by Paula Sanders and Janina Safran are devoted to analyzing how these caliphates made use of symbolism in legitimizing their states. The writings of these historians reveal many similarities between the use of court ceremonial by the fourth/tenth century caliphates and by the later state of Amad al-Manr. Such similarities suggest that al-Manr's practices were influenced by the examples of these earlier states. Of all the glorious deeds of Sultan al-Manr, Amad al-Maqqar seems to have been most impressed with his architectural achievements. In addition, the sultan was working on constructing the great mosque in the Yasr quarter of Marrakesh, which is close to completion.
