From Safi and Azemmour, the Portuguese cultivated the alliance of local Arab and Berber client tribes in the surrounding region, notably a certain powerful Yahya ibn Tafuft.

"[4]Nasir ibn Chentaf, the Hintata ruler of the city, was forced to agree to tribute and allow the Portuguese to erect a fortress in Marrakesh.

[6] However, the agreement was not carried out, so the next year the Portuguese and their Moorish allies returned at the head of a strong army, aiming to seize Marrakesh directly.

On April 24, 1515, they engaging in fighting with the defenders of Marrakech, near the gates of Bab el-Khemis and Bab ad-Debbagh, located on the northeast side of the Walls,[4] the Hintata ruler of Marrakesh was supported by Wattasids and Saadians[8] Ataíde commanded the center, the sheikhs of Abida and Xerquia the left Portuguese wing, the sheikh of Garabia on the right.

[7] The fighting resulted in dead and wounded on both sides and lasted four hours, after which the Portuguese withdrew to avoid being surrounded.