Abu Baqr ibn Yaḥyā, II

Bakr Ben Yahia

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Bakr Ben Yahia II was an important Mozarab (Iberian Christian living under Muslim domination) figure in Medieval Portugal.

Bakr Ben Yahia II was the son of Yahia Ben Bakr. Both father and son were Governors of the city of Faro in the 13th century and executed important construction there. They are credited for constructing the actual city walls, as well as the iron gates around the perimeter of the city. It is during this time that they brought the image of Mary as it is stated in the songs by King Alfonso X of Castile. It is believed that during this period the city adopted the name of Santa Maria do Ocidente (English: Holy Mary of the West), or simply Santa Maria.

Bakr Ben Yahia's son, Aloandro Ben Bekar, Governor of Faro, would see his daughter Madragana become a mistress to king Afonso III of Portugal and ancestor of many celebrities.