Princess of the Almoravid dynasty, Fannou (died in 1147) pretended to be a man to participate in the defense of Marrakech.
Almoravid princess
Daughter of Omar ben Yintan, Fannou was born in the 12th century in Marrakech. Almoravid princess, a Berber dynasty, she was raised in the palace of Marrakech. During the Almoravid dynasty, women had access to education and power, as evidenced by Zaynab Nefzaouia and Hafsa bint al-Hajj. Fannou is no doubt no exception to the rule. She is probably learning the handling of weapons and military techniques.
The Almoravid dynasty is then on the decline. The Almohad religious movement, founded by the reformer Muhammad ibn Tûmart, opposes the Malikite rite practiced by the Almoravids and preaches a return to the religious sources of Islam. Led by Abd al-Mumim, successor to ibn Tûmart, the Almohads launched a holy war against the Almoravids.
The capture of Marrakech
After many victories, in Oran, in Fez, in Meknes, in Andalusia, the forces of Abd al-Mumim reached Marrakech in March 1147. After five days of fighting under the walls of the city, the Almohades managed to break its defenses and to penetrate its enclosure.
Inside Marrakech, the Almohads have yet to take control of the Almoravid fortress. Fannou then puts on men's clothes and takes part in the defense, which lasts until the next day at midday as the fighting is fierce. Historians report that the Almohads failed to conquer the fortress until "a young Almoravid woman, dressed as a man" was killed. After his death, the fortress falls.
