Balaaza or Al Balaaza is clan in modern Tripolitania. It is the largest clan in Zawiya. It is mainly composed of Banu Sulaym and Banu Hilal and a large Arabized Lawatan faction.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

Origins

Al Balaaza is composed of many tribes each Claimed origin to different ethnicity, The awlad ubied,isa,bu shaiba and masud Claim they are descendants of Abu al az ibn Sabir a man of Sulaym Origin^[6].

Awlad (sagir) Claim they Are descendants of Sagir ibn amir ibn zaghuba a man from a Hilalean Origin^[7].

The Remaining Tribe of Kerdasa are from Berbers Lawatan Origin^[8][9].The Small Sub-Tribe of Mutred is rather debated between Local Balaaza if they are Balaaza (although they themselves claim they are part of the clan). Their origin is a Hawwara^[10][11].

History

Al Balaaza would come to power at the year 1300 where the would rule the city of Al zawiya. That rule was religiously situated on a Zawiya (institution) called zawiya of Awlad sinan (a family from awlad bu shaiba). That rule would last until 1483. Where they would build a Lasting Castle^[12][13]

The Balaaza Seem To Have Been Synonymous with the constant Arabs Rebellions during the Hafsid dynasty. Which were Successful in halting the hafsids from invading al zawiya^[14][15].

During the Karamanli rule. Specifically Yusuf Karamanli. Their General Ali Al Balezi would Support in the Second Battle of Tripoli Harbor and capture USS Philadelphia (1799)^[16].

During the Second Ottoman Period they would have a War with Warshefana. And provide Large Support for Ramadan Asswehly^[17].

Note

In al taher al zawyi list of the Libyan Countries. He claim that they were the true rulers of Al Zawiya

Reference