Ayyubid Period Overview

Introduction

• The Ayyubid period lasted approximately 80 years.
• During this time, sultans faced conflicts on two fronts: internal struggles against the Fatimids and external conflicts with Crusaders.
• The Crusaders established four small kingdoms in the Levant: Edessa, Antioch, Tripoli, and Jerusalem.

The Levant

• A map of the Levant, including key locations mentioned in the Ayyubid period.
• Includes: Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, etc.

Sultanate of Rum

• A map of the Near East in 1135 showing relevant political entities and their locations.
• Relevant regions: Byzantine Empire, the Fatimid Caliphate of Cairo, various Crusader counties and principalities.
• Includes scale for reference.

Before the Ayyubid Period

• The First Crusade, which arrived in the Levant in 1097, disrupted the region.
• The success of the Crusaders wasn't necessarily due to their strength, but more the weakness of the Muslim forces.
• Internal conflict, particularly between the Abbasid Sunni caliphate and the Fatimid Shiite caliphate, contributed to the situation.
• Geographic locations include, Damascus, Antioch, Edessa, Tripoli, Jerusalem.

Fatimid Caliphate

• Initially, the Fatimid Caliphate was fooled by the Crusaders.
• However, the reality of the Crusaders' ambitions became apparent as they advanced further south into Egyptian territory.
• The Fatimid armies were defeated, which eventually allowed Baldwin I to penetrate the Egyptian territory.

Conflicts in Egypt

• Competitions between Egyptian ministers (Šāwūr and Durġām) manipulated the caliph.
• These conflicts were a turning point in Egyptian history and the Near East.
• People of Egypt were displeased with the situation and expressed their anger against the Fatimids.

Crusaders' Impact

• The Crusaders' influence and aggression in the region, especially in the Levant region, led to reactions among the Islamic world.
• Unified Islamic resistance was required to oppose the growing Crusader threat.

Rise of Islamic Resistance Leaders

• Imād al-dīn Zinğī, a key Islamic resistance leader.
• Also, his son Nur al-dīn Mahmud played a vital role.
• They extended their control over Damascus and annexed other important territories in the Levant.

Šīrkūh and the Fatimid Caliphate

• Egyptians sided with Šīrkūh, resisting Crusader King Ammuri.
• Šīrkūh was recognized as a hero by the Egyptians.
• Also, the Fatimid Caliph (al-‘Ādd) made him his minister.
• Durgham died, enabling another victory.

Conflicts within the Levant

• There were competing interests amongst Muslim leaders, including between Šāwūr and Durgām. Both sides sought support from the Crusader king, Ammuri.
• Nūr al-Dīn alerted to the significant weakening of the Fatimid caliphate, making Egypt vulnerable.
• This period saw three major campaigns led by Asad al-Dīn Šīrkūh, assisted by his nephew, Salah al-Din.

Salah al-Din's Career

• Šīrkūh died and Salah al-Din took over as the Caliph's minister.
• He also led military forces for Nur al-Din.
• His dual role caused difficulties.
• There were ongoing conflicts with the Islamic forces, particularly in the Levant and in Egypt.

Crusader Attacks and Defense

• The Crusader king Ammuri requested help from the Roman Empire, resulting in an attack against Damietta.
• Salah al-Din strengthened Damietta's defenses successfully.

The Fall of the Fatimid Caliphate

• The Fatimid Caliphate faced increasing pressure from the Sunni Caliphate.
• After a Friday prayer in 1171, Salah al-Din removed all traces of the Fatimid caliphate.

Salah al-Din's Consolidation of Power

• Salah al-Din consolidated his position and sought Egyptian independence.
• This was done through measures to win support of the Egyptians, appointing Shafi'i judges, and reforming administrative structures.
• The Nasiriyah School was implemented, fostering Sunni doctrine.
• Multiple internal and external threats, remnants of Fatimid rule and Crusader efforts, were overcome by Salah al-Din.

Salah al-Din and the Islamic Front

• Aware of the crumbling Islamic front, Salah al-Din aimed at restoring unity.
• His efforts involved expansion into various Levant cities (Damascus, Aleppo, etc.).
• His conquests led to self-proclamation as King al-Nāṣir.

Consolidation of Power in Egypt

• Having been absent for two years, Salah al-Din reorganized Egypt.
• Fortified cities were essential, particularly given the difference between the defenses in the Levant and Egypt itself.
• Fortification efforts were concentrated around Cairo.

Restoration and Expansion

• In 1171, Salah al-Din repaired Cairo's walls.
• He constructed new fortifications around Cairo, al-Askr, al-Qatai', and al-Fustat, including a citadel.

Jihad and the Crusaders

• Salah al-Din's Levant campaign aimed at fulfilling the Jihad movement and challenging the Crusaders.
• Internal conflict within various Islamic forces was a significant issue, as well as the separation problem.
• Success of the campaign finally established unity between the Euphrates and the Nile.

This quiz covers the Ayyubid period, highlighting the internal and external conflicts that shaped the era, including the Crusaders' establishment of kingdoms in the Levant. Key geographical areas and historical events leading to this period will also be explored.