Yahia Ben Bakr
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Yahia Ben Bakr
Yahia Ben Bakr was a mozarab who lived in the 13th Century. It is believed that he is of relation to or a descendant (possibly a grandson) of Yahia Ben Yahi III, an Iberian Jew who was entrusted by Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, with the post of supervisor of tax collection and was nominated the first chief rabbi of Portugal. Sancho I, 2nd King of Portugal (1185-1211) continued the same policy as his father, making Jose Ben Yahia, the grandson of Yahia Ben Yahia, High Steward of the Realm. At some point, some of Yahia Ben Yahi III's descendants seem to have converted to Christianity.
Yahia Ben Bakr was succeeded in office by his son, Bakr Ben Yahia. Both Ben Bakr and Ben Yahia held political office and executed important construction in the city of Faro. They are credited for constructing the actual city wall 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, the Wise King. It is believed that during this period the city adopted the name of Santa Maria do Ocidente, or simply Santa Maria (Xanta Maria).
