State

Sulayhid dynasty

1047–1138 · 11th century · Also known as Sulayhids

The Sulayhid dynasty was an Isma'ili Shia dynasty that ruled much of Yemen from about 1047 to 1138 as allies of the Fatimid caliphs of Cairo. Founded by Ali ibn Muhammad al-Sulayhi in the highlands, it ruled from Sana'a and later Dhu Jibla. Its most celebrated ruler was Queen Arwa al-Sulayhi, who governed for decades and led the Isma'ili mission in Yemen.

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Cite this entry
APA
The Epoch Institute. (2026). Sulayhid dynasty. In The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/sulayhid-dynasty
MLA
“Sulayhid dynasty.” The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/sulayhid-dynasty. Accessed .
Chicago
The Epoch Institute. “Sulayhid dynasty.” The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/sulayhid-dynasty.
Harvard
The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Sulayhid dynasty’, The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/sulayhid-dynasty (Accessed: ).

Last reviewed October 2026Random entry ↻