Triumph at Oued al-Makhazin: Morocco's Defining Victory

On August 4, 1578, Moroccans commemorated a monumental triumph that reshaped the historical landscape and redefined global power structures. This hallmark event, known as the Battle of Oued al-Makhazin or the Battle of the Three Kings, stands as a testament to strategic brilliance and unyielding determination.

Prelude to Battle

The conflict's origins lie with Moroccan prince Al-Mutawakkil, who, after being ousted by his uncle Abd al-Malik, sought Portuguese support to reclaim his throne. The Portuguese viewed this as a golden opportunity to thwart the Saadians and Ottomans, aiming to control the northern Moroccan coast and preempt any future Muslim endeavors to retake Andalusia.

The world watched with bated breath as the impending clash threatened to disrupt the existing balance of power. The battle saw a convergence of forces from diverse regions: the Saadian Moroccans, reinforced by Ottoman troops, faced off against the Portuguese, bolstered by Spanish and European contingents, Al-Mutawakkil’s soldiers, and the Papal army.

The Clash

Historical accounts describe the Portuguese forces, commanded by King Sebastian and aided by Al-Mutawakkil, engaging Abd al-Malik’s Moroccan army near Oued al-Makhazin, close to Ksar El Kebir in northern Morocco.

Sultan Abd al-Malik, despite battling severe illness, rallied his troops by underscoring the battle's symbolic significance; they were defending their homeland and families from foreign invaders. His presence, despite his condition, was a morale booster, and he had instructed his brother Ahmed al-Mansur to fight relentlessly.

Forces in Play

The Portuguese army, approximately 28,000 strong under King Sebastian, included volunteers from Castile and Italy, mercenaries from Flanders and Germany, and Moroccan allies numbering between 3,000 and 6,000, equipped with 40 cannons.

In contrast, the Moroccan forces, led by Abu Marwan Abd al-Malik, comprised around 40,000 soldiers. Abd al-Malik, after ascending to power in Fez, mobilized a new army from Fez’s populace, Andalusians, and Arab tribes, supplemented by Turkish support, including Algerian Zouaves, and 34 large Moroccan cannons.

Abd al-Malik established his base in Ksar El Kebir, closely monitoring Sebastian’s movements. He strategically provoked Sebastian with a message, "I have traveled sixteen stages to meet you; why not travel one stage to meet me?" Ignoring Al-Mutawakkil’s counsel to stay in Asilah for supply line security, Sebastian advanced towards Ksar El Kebir. Upon reaching the bridge over Oued al-Makhazin, he camped opposite the Moroccan forces. That night, the bridge was destroyed, eliminating any crossing point over the Oued.

The armies initially engaged with cannon fire, followed by infantry archers, and cavalry charges on the flanks. The Moroccan forces also had volunteer troops and a reserve cavalry for decisive maneuvers.

Morocco's Resounding Victory

The battle culminated in a decisive victory for the Moroccan army. The Saadians tactically entrapped the Portuguese in Oued al-Makhazin, leading to significant casualties. King Sebastian of Portugal, along with his commanders and most of the Portuguese forces, perished in the confrontation.

Al-Mutawakkil, later dubbed "The Flayed" for his grim fate, was also killed and his skin displayed as a deterrent to those seeking foreign aid against their compatriots. Sultan Abd al-Malik succumbed to his illness during the battle, and his brother Ahmed al-Mansur was subsequently declared ruler, heralding a prosperous era for the Saadian dynasty.

Historians concur that this battle marked the definitive decline of the Portuguese Empire's dominance. Portugal never regained its former stature, and the battle etched a formidable image of the Moroccans, deterring future invasions or occupations.

Lasting Impact

The Battle of Oued al-Makhazin, fought on August 4, 1578, evolved from a power struggle between Muhammad al-Mutawakkil and Sultan Abu Marwan Abd al-Malik into a broader confrontation involving a Portuguese crusade led by King Sebastian. The Moroccan victory ensured national sovereignty and critically weakened the Portuguese Empire, which did not fully recover until it reasserted its independence from Spain 93 years later.