Mawlay Ismaʿil: The Sultan with 800+ Children and a Legacy of Power

The Emperor with the highest recorded number of children in the world is Mawlay Ismaʿil, who belonged to the Alaouite dynasty in Morocco. He had over 800 children in total. In the 17th century, his brother, Mawlay Rashid, established the Alaouite dynasty by garnering support from Arab tribes in northeastern Morocco. However, Rashid died prematurely, and Ismaʿil succeeded him as the second Sultan of the Alaouite dynasty.

Ismaʿil faced numerous internal and external challenges during his reign. His brothers, nephews, and even pirates rebelled against him. Additionally, the Ottoman Empire, fearing the rise of a powerful Arab state in the west, supported rebellions and attempted to undermine Ismaʿil's rule, seeking to return Morocco to a fragmented state.

Despite these pressures, Ismaʿil employed a strategy of divide and conquer, relying on the loyalty of Arab tribes that supported the Alaouite dynasty. He swiftly defeated the various rebellions and established a strong and unified Morocco.

To ensure long-term stability and defend against external aggression, Ismaʿil focused on building his own armed forces. He amassed a large army by selling enslaved black people and creating a corps of black slaves known as the "Black Guard." These enslaved soldiers, who had no affiliations with local powers, were indoctrinated with loyalty to Ismaʿil through religious means. Ismaʿil also ensured a stable food supply for them by practicing agriculture and training them in military tactics during their downtime.

With this army at his disposal, Ismaʿil engaged in military campaigns to reclaim lost territories. He successfully captured several locations, including Mamora from the Spanish, Tangier from the English, Larache, and Alcazarquivir, effectively eliminating European colonial outposts along the Moroccan Atlantic coast.

Ismaʿil was known for his slender and tall stature, light chestnut hair, round face, prominent beard, dark brown skin, and piercing eyes. He had a commanding voice and was passionate about knowledge. He frequently invited Christian priests to the palace to discuss theological matters and even wrote a book promoting the Islamic faith for the English King James II, attempting to convert him to Islam.

Ismaʿil was skilled in physical activities and had a particular love for horseback riding. He had over 500 horses and built luxurious stables. Despite his achievements in governance, military affairs, and diplomacy, Ismaʿil led an extravagant personal life. He amassed a vast fortune through plundering, taxing trade, and exploiting the population. The door latches of his palace and kitchen utensils were made of pure gold.

He indulged in a life of pleasure, amassing a harem filled with beautiful women of different races and ethnicities. He had over 500 concubines who took turns serving him daily. If we consider the reproductive capability of individuals between the ages of 25 and 65, Ismaʿil fathered approximately 867 children over 40 years, including 525 sons and 342 daughters. On average, he fathered over 20 children each year, with one or two births occurring every month. It is estimated that the most common congratulatory phrase he heard during his lifetime was, "Congratulations, Sultan, you've become a father again!"

Due to the large number of children, Ismaʿil often brought them to the battlefield. Riding on his horse, he would hold one of his sons in his arms while wielding his sword or lance, engaging in combat with the enemy. This hands-on approach allowed his sons to experience real warfare and instilled in them a martial spirit from a young age.

This record of having 867 children remains unparalleled and is still regarded as an extraordinary feat. According to historical accounts, Ismaʿil lived to the age of 80, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the history of Morocco.