The whole of the Mediterranean sea basin remained under Fatemi rule for more than a century. The navy, thus, was extremely important for strategy and defense against the Byzantine empire on one front and the Abbasid on the other. Several factories were built across the kingdom for the manufacture of ships; highly specialized warships were developed, some 600 in all. As the Fatemi navy became more and more efficient and powerful, it defeated the Byzantine navy time and again. The Byzantine emperor was humbled and had to pay fidya (tax) to Imam Moiz (AS), something he had never done before.

Let us explore the different types of warships in the Fatemi navy:

Crows (Shawani l Harbiyyah): These were known as crows because they were blackened with tarmac, and had white sails. From these ships white gas was thrown at the enemy. These could serve both offensive and defensive purposes and were of great importance to the navy.

Torpedo boats (Haraaiq): These were used to fire gas at enemy ships.

Cruisers (Musattahaat): These were giant ships for the transport of weapons.

Express boats (Haraabi): These were small in size but could travel at great speeds to chase the enemy.

Pursuers (Taraaid): These were used for the passage of horses, 40 horses at a time.

Assault ships (Butsh): These were huge ships with many levels used to carry large numbers of soldiers.