Judar Pasha

Judar Pasha (Arabic: جؤذر باشا) was a military leader from the late 16th century. He served under the Saadian sultan Ahmad al-Mansur and played a key role in leading the Saadian army.

Judar was born as Diego de Guevara in Cuevas del Almanzora, Castile. As a young boy, he was captured and taken into service by the Saadian ruler. He became an important officer in the army and was known for his blue eyes.

One of his most notable achievements was leading the forces in the conquest of the Songhai Empire. His leadership helped shape the history of the region during that time.

Battles

In 1590, Ahmad al-Mansur made Judar a pasha and sent him to lead an army against the Songhai Empire in what is now Mali. Judar started from Marrakesh with about 4,000 soldiers, including some from Spain, and carried eight English cannons.

After a tough journey across the Sahara desert, Judar moved toward the Songhai capital, Gao. The Songhai ruler gathered a large army, but Judar's forces, using firearms, won the battle at Tondibi. Judar then went on to capture Gao and other important towns like Djenné and Timbuktu.

Aftermath

After the fighting in Timbuktu, the leaders there were taken away to Marrakesh. Much of the wealth from Timbuktu, Gao, and Jenne was taken too, including large amounts of gold sent across the desert.

Judar Pasha was later made a governor but lost this role because he wanted Timbuktu to be the new capital instead of Gao, which the sultan did not want. Even after his success, fights with the Songhai army kept happening, and he was replaced some years later.

Death

Judar Pasha was executed in December 1606 by order of Mulay Abdallah, who was the son of Mullay al-Shaykh. This happened during conflicts over who would rule Morocco, and it was linked to the Battle of Tondibi.