Conquest of Sawari

Then, the conquest of Sawari [Battle of the Masts] took place in 31 AH. In the majority of the books of history, the location of this battle is not mentioned; however, Allama Ibn Khaldun has mentioned that this battle took place in Alexandria.

(Tarikh Ibn Khuldun, Vol. 2, Wilayat Abdullah bin Abi Sarah ‘ala… [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2000], p. 575) (Al-Nujum al-Zahirah fi Muluk Misr wa al-Qahirah, Vol. 1, p. 50, Dhikr Wilayat Abi Sarah ‘ala Misr, Dar al-Kutub al-Misriyyah, p. 1929)

According to a narration, the Muslims fought against the Byzantine forces in a battle named “Sawari” in 31 AH. Abu Ma‘shar narrates that the Battle of Sawari took place in 34 AH and the Battle of Asawidah, which was a naval battle, took place took place in 31 AH. According to Waqidi [a historian], both battles of Sawari and Asawidah took place in 31 AH.

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 5, Ghazwah al-Sawari, Sanah 31 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al- Fikr, 1998], p. 115)