The Syrian cavalry , under Kulthum 's nephew , Balj ibn Bishr al - Qushayri , was the first to arrive in Kairouan .
First imposed themselves on the city , billeting troops , requisitioning supplies , and threatening its inhabitants .
The Syrian cavalry , under Kulthum 's nephew , Balj ibn Bishr al - Qushayri , was the first to arrive in Kairouan and they imposed themselves on the city , billeting troops , requisitioning supplies , and threatening its inhabitants .