The Shady Muslim Princess

 

The Muslim princess Zaida of Seville (1070-1107), the presumed daughter of king Abu al-Qasim, of Sevilla taifa, is an extremely shady character in the history of European royalty because the many legends about her seem to contradict each other. Was she even a historical figure??? However, strangely enough, she is considered to be part of the British royal line through her son, Sancho - or so it seems, because I don't feel sure that it really is the case. One thing is for sure (or almost for sure???): She was not a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter, Fatima, which has been suggested by some scholars. Maybe there was some family connection to the Fatima-descendants, but not in a direct line. 

 

This family tree is very interesting, but is it reliable? I, for one, don't think so - or at least I doubt it. However, it's (almost) safe to say that there was a Zaida, who was a Muslim princess and a widow before she became the concubine of King Alfonso VI of Castille (born ca. 1040-1109), and that she gave birth to his son, Sancho. At some time later she became a Christian and took the name of Isabella - or so some think, as not even that is quite clear. Also, according to legend, she may have become his queen after some years - may have ....

 

King Alfonso VI (died 1109)

It has been said that King Alfonso adopted some Islamic habits from Zaida, but most scholars tell about his hatred and cruel persecutions of Muslims, so what are we to believe? I, for one, don't buy the legend of Zaida as it is being told. Actually, I suspect that her character, as it is presented in various descriptions, is a severe mix-up of several women, and that it needs a more thorough investigation than we have seen up till now.

 

https://www.medievalists.net/2024/03/the-legend-of-zaida-princess-of-seville/ 

 

Wikipedia

 

Britannica (: doesn't even have any mentions of Zaida!)