al-Hasan ibn Talut al-Mahdali

Al-Hasan ibn Talut al-Mahdali was the founder of the Mahdali dynasty of Yemeni Arab sayyids who ruled the Kilwa Sultanate. In 1277 he seized power, overthrowing Kilwa's Shirazi rulers, and reigned for about eighteen years, earning a reputation as an excellent knight.

He began the minting of copper coins at Kilwa, and during his rule his grandson al-Hasan ibn Sulaiman was sent to study in Aden. He died around 1294 and was succeeded by his son Suleiman.