1. Overview
Nasir ad-Din al-Qasri Muhammad ibn Ahmad, also known as Nasir al-Qasiri, was the young son of Sultan Ahmad of the Wattasid dynasty in Fez. His nominal reign as Sultan of Fez lasted briefly from 1545 to 1547, a period necessitated by his father's imprisonment by the rival Saadians. During this regency, his kingdom sought political and military support through an alliance with the powerful Ottoman Empire. His short reign concluded with his death, after which his father was restored to the throne.
2. Life
Nasir ad-Din al-Qasri Muhammad ibn Ahmad's short period as Sultan of Fez was marked by his father's capture and a regency, during which his kingdom sought external support to maintain its standing.
2.1. Early Life and Nominal Accession
Nasir ad-Din al-Qasri Muhammad ibn Ahmad (ناصر الدين القصريArabic) was the young son of Sultan Ahmad, who reigned as the Sultan of Fez under the Wattasid dynasty. In 1545, a critical turning point occurred when his father, Sultan Ahmad, was captured and imprisoned by their southern rivals, the Saadians. Following this capture, Nasir ad-Din al-Qasri Muhammad ibn Ahmad nominally acceded to the position of Sultan of Fez, though his youth meant he would rule under a regent.
2.2. Reign Under Regency
From 1545 until 1547, Nasir ad-Din al-Qasri Muhammad ibn Ahmad's rule was conducted under a regent, Ali Abu Hassun. As his father, Sultan Ahmad, remained a prisoner of the Saadians, the regency faced the challenge of maintaining control and defending against rivals. In a significant political move, Ali Abu Hassun decided to pledge allegiance to the powerful Ottoman Empire in order to obtain their crucial support. This alliance was intended to bolster the Wattasid position against the Saadian threat.
2.3. Death
Nasir ad-Din al-Qasri Muhammad ibn Ahmad's brief time as Sultan came to an end in 1547 when he died. His death marked the conclusion of his nominal reign under the regency of Ali Abu Hassun. Following his death, his father, Sultan Ahmad, who had been imprisoned by the Saadians, was restored to the throne of Fez.