Capital Kuku (fr) Established 1515 | Languages Berber 1510–1527 Sidi Ahmed ou el Kadhi Founded 1515 | |
Political structure KingdomTribal confederation | ||
The Kingdom of Kuku was a medieval Berber kingdom that ruled over much of greater Kabylia. It was established around 1515. The polity's realm stretched from the Atlas Mountains to the south of the plain of Algiers. Its capital was located at Kuku, which sat on a promontory with around 15,000 inhabitants. The kingdom had forces consisting of 5,000 musqueteers and 1,500 cavalrymen.
Contents
Kuku was one of two major Kabyle kingdoms, the other being the Kingdom of Ait Abbas.
Establishment
During the Ottoman period, the two parts of Kabylia were independent and retained the use of their language and customs under the Kingdom of Kuku and of the Ait Abbas. The conflict weren't only between the Spanish empire and the Ottoman, but also with local kingdoms such as the so-called "kings of Kouko" in Kabylia.
Alliance and wars (Ottoman, Beni Abbès, France..)
Ali Bitchin who wanted to control Regency of Algiers made an alliance with Koukou, and had bodyguard, cavalry from there. The sultan of Koukou became his father in law.
In popular culture
A poem from the Australian Kenneth Slessor is about the King of Kuku.