Ayin Ayyubid agus Críocha na Cróiche

### A's Introduction

• The Ayyubid period was short, lasting only 80 years.
• During this time, sultans faced conflict on two fronts.
• Internally, they fought against the Fatimids.
• Externally, they fought the Crusaders.
• The Crusaders established four small kingdoms in the Levant: Edessa, Antioch, Tripoli, and Jerusalem.

### The Levant

• A region including modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and parts of Jordan and Palestine.
• A strategic area in the Middle East during the Ayyubid period.
• Crucial to the conflict between the Ayyubids and the Crusaders.

### The First Crusade (490/1097)

• The arrival of the First Crusade significantly impacted the Arab world.
• The victory of the Crusaders resulted from the weakness of the Muslim states at the time.
• Internal conflicts and weaknesses within the Abbasid and Fatimid Caliphates contributed.
• This resulted in losses for the Muslim states.

### The Fatimid Caliphate

• Initially deceieved by the crusaders movement about their goals
• Later realised the threat, which caused several land and sea campaigns to repel the threat.
• The Fatimids faced defeat.
• The Fatimids were weakened internally and unable to effectively confront the Crusader threat in the latter half of the 12th century.
• Later, there was anger and dissatisfaction amongst Egyptians about the state's situation.

### Disturbances in Egypt

• Competitions and conflicts amongst ministers (Šāwūr and Durġām) to gain control of the caliph.
• Each attempted to manipulate the caliph for their advantage.
• These conflicts initiated Egypt's new stage in history as well as the Near East's.

### Crusader Dangers and Response

• The Crusaders' influence in the region increased.
• The Islamic world responded to the increasing threat with a violent, united response.
• Combining forces was a key condition in defending against any crusade and achieving success against forces, such as the Crusades.,
• Success could only be achieved with an alliance between the various Islamic forces.

### The Jihad Movement

• Imād al-dīn Zinğī (Atabik al-Mosul) led the Jihad movement after conquering Aleppo.
• Nūr al-dīn Maḥmūd annexed Damascus in 549/1154.
• The movement aimed to regain the Levant and expand the united Islamic front across the Near East.
• The annexation of Egypt became the main goal of the movement, enabling a stronger stand against the Crusaders.

### The Egyptians Support for Şirkūh

• Support for Şīrkūh was due to the resistance against the Crusaders, led by Ammuri.
• Şīrkūh received a hero's reception.
• Caliph chose Şīrkūh as his minister.

###  Conflicts in Egypt

• Internal conflicts between Şāwūr and Durgām.
• They sought external aid from the Crusaders and Nūr al-Dīn Mahmud respectively.

### Sultanate of Egypt and Nur Al-din

• Nur Al-din played a key role in the Islamic movement.
• He alerted to the danger of the crusaders.
• Conflicts in Egypt lasted from 559/1164-1169
• Three campaigns led by Asad al-dīn Šīrkūh against the Crusaders were attempted.

### Salah Al-din's Dual Role and Importance

• Salah Al-din conflicted with his master due to his desire to monopolize Egypt, but Nur al-Din died before he reached his goal.
• Faced internal and external dangers, such as remnants of the Fatimid caliphate.
• Had to face threats from Crusaders and their allies.

### Islamic Front Collapse

• Nur Al-din's death created a power vacuum within the Islamic forces.
• Young son's power meant a reduced unified stance, allowing opportunities for ambitious princes.
• The collapse of the Islamic front benefited the crusader forces at this time.
• Ambitious princes of Nur Al-din, and Crusaders benefited from the disunity amongst Islamic forces.

### Saladin as Heir and King of the Unified Islamic Forces and City Fortifications

• Saladin saw himself as the heir to Nur al-Din.
• Took a united stance on the Islamic front.
• Captured various cities in the Levant to achieve his aim.
• Declared himself king of the conquered territory after defeating the Zengid. (This part mentions naming himself "King al-Nāșir" and minting gold coins in Cairo.)

### Organization and Fortifications in Egypt

• Saladin organised various matters in Egypt.
• Saladin initiated a major fortification project, including walls and citadels, to improve Egypt's security.
• This occurred around 572/1176

### Saladin's Jihad Campaign and Victory Against Crusaders

• Went to the Levant in 578/1182 to continue combating Crusades, successfully
• United Islamic forces against the Crusaders and unified the Islamic front.
• Successfully established a strong united front across the region.

### End of Fatimid Caliphate

• The Fatimid Caliphate ended in 567/1171 due to the insistence of Nur Al-din and supplications in the name of al-Mustdī'.
• Saladin Erased all traces of the Fatimid caliphate from Egypt.
• The Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt was over.

Salah Al-din's Strengthened Position, Sunni Doctrine, and Schools

• Salah al-Din strengthened his position after the fall of the Fatimid state, taking control of Egypt.
• He focused on establishing a solidified Sunni-based culture in Egypt.
• Founded the Nasiriyah School in Al-Fustat.

Further Important Events

• Saladin restored the wall of Cairo in 567/1171. This occurred before the fall of the Fatimid Caliphate and was made because Egypt was vulnerable.
• Huge walls surrounding Cairo, including Al-Askr, al-Qatai', and al-Fustat, were built around this time, fortified with a citadel on the Muqattam hill.