The Emirate of Sicily was an Islamic state on the island of Sicily (in Southern Italy), which existed from 965 to 1072. Its capital was Palermo.
Muslims, who first invaded in 652 AD, seized control of the entire island from the Byzantine Empire in 965. Despite the invaders' Arabic language and Islamic faith, an Arab-Byzantine culture developed, retaining the Christian faith and Byzantine Greek language. The Emirate was reconquered by Christian Norman mercenaries under Roger I of Sicily who founded the County of Sicily in 1071.
The Sicilian Muslims remained citizens of the multi-ethnic County and subsequent Kingdom of Sicily until deportations in the 1240s. Their influence remains in elements of the Sicilian language.
Read more about Emirate Of Sicily: First Arab Invasions of Sicily, Revolt of Euphemius and Gradual Muslim Conquest of The Island, Period As An Emirate, Sicily Under The Muslim Rule, Decline, Aftermath, List of Emirs
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