Abu Zayan I

Abu Zayan Muhammad I succeeded his father Uthman I in 1304 while Tlemcen was enveloped in the legendary Marinid siege that lasted from 1299 to 1307. Demonstrating steely nerves, spiritual conviction, and selfless sharing of rations with ordinary citizens, Abu Zayan rallied the garrison against constant artillery bombardment and starvation.

When the besieging Marinid Sultan Abu Yaqub was assassinated in his camp in May 1307, the enemy army disintegrated. Abu Zayan led his triumphant cavalry out of the gates, demolished the enemy works at Mansourah, and reclaimed full sovereignty over the western Maghreb, forever cementing his place as one of Algeria's greatest siege heroes.