During the muslim rule of Sicily, Sicily was transformed into maritime trading hub and naval base. The Emirate began with the Aghlabids of Kairouan and ended with Kalbids of Sicily during the course of more than two centuries (827-1053 CE). During emirate rule, Palermo became the capital of Sicily, with its bustling street markets & complex underground waterways (kanat). Arabs, Berbers, Eastern Romans & Jews (hebrews) intermingled during emirate rule. Each community was judged by the law of their own faith,and properties were protected in exchange of jizya (tax). Siculo-Arabic became the official language durig emirate rule where every community still retain its native languages. Most of the sicilian were literate in arabic, greek & hebrew. During the emirate rule Sicily was divided into 3 wali (Valli) or Province. Val di Mazara, Val di Noto and Val Demone. Most of the muslim arab, north african and sicilian lives in the western side while christian eastern romans lives on the eastern side of the island. The emirate was often contested between powers in mediterranea from Eastern Roman empire, Abbasid-Aghlabid of North Africa, Umayyad of Iberia, Fatimid, Zirid and Kalbids of Sicily.
