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.