M’saken was founded by a group of Chorfas whose ancestors migrated from the Hejaz in the East to the Maghreb during the period of Idrisid rule.
At the beginning of the 8th century of the Hijri calendar, some of their descendants moved to Ifriqiya, settling first in Kairouan for a period before relocating to the Sahel region. They initially settled in the village of “El Frayate” and later established themselves on land known as “Chaabat Essayd”, which was subsequently called “Chaabat Essoltane” in reference to the Hafsid Sultan who granted them ownership of the land.
Upon their settlement, they divided into five clans, each occupying a specific area of the territory. They built five fortified settlements (ksour) on the highest points, surrounding a central mosque known as the Grand Mosque. The first ksour that formed the city of M’saken are:
Ksar Ennajjagra: located near the mosque on the southern side
Ksar El Qiblien: south-east of the mosque, behind Ksar Ennajjagra
Ksar El Manaâma: east of the mosque
Ksar El Jebliyen: north of the mosque
Ksar El Jdidiyen: west of the mosque

As for the origin of the name “M’saken” (singular: Maskan), it refers to a collection of dwellings. This designation became widespread among surrounding villages, which referred to the area as “M’saken El Achraf”. Over time, the name “M’saken” replaced the original name “Ksour El Achraf”.
References: “Silsilat Al-Ousoul fi Shajarat Abnaâ Ar-Rassoul” by Sheikh Abdallah Acharif and “Dourar Al-Achraf”, compiled by Mohamed El Gazzah and Sheikh Salah El Gazzah in 1355 AH / 1936 AD.