[1] They rose to power following the political vacuum left behind by the Zirids when they abandoned Kairouan for Mahdia in 1157, in the face of pressure from the Banu Hilal.

In 1057, the Zirid dynasty sultan Al-Mu'izz ibn Badis abandoned his capital at Kairouan and retreated to Mahdia on the coast.

[3] In search of protection and leadership, the city turned for help to the emir of the Hammadid dynasty, al-Nasir, and requested that he appoint a governor.

[5] The construction of the Khurasanid dynastic mausoleum, still extant today and known as Sidi Bu Khrisan [fr], was completed in July 1093, according to its foundation inscription.

[5] This in turn shifted the center of power within the city and developed its administrative capabilities, a process which culminated in its later role as the capital of Ifriqiya.

[3] Khurasanid rule was restored when Abu Bakr ibn Ismail was smuggled over the city walls at night in a basket.

[3] While Tunis was not conquered by the Normans, some historians have suggested that the Banu Khurasan at this time were granted authority to govern by Roger II of Sicily.