Marinid dynasty
The Principality of Debdou was first established in 1430 as a governorate of Morocco, then ruled by the Marinid dynasty. By the second half of the 15th century, the Ouartajin gained more autonomy towards Fez as Marinids lost their prestige and most of their power to Wattasid viziers. The principality became fully autonomous when Muhammad ibn Ahmed was appointed viceroy of Debdou by Wattasid sultan Muhammad ibn Yahya (r. 1472-1504).