The Ayyubid Period and Crusaders

Introduction

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

The Levant

• A map of the Levant.

Sultanate of Rum

• A map of the Near East in 1135.
• The map highlights key locations and entities important to the period.

Before the Ayyubid Period

• The First Crusade in 490/1097 severely impacted the Arab world in the Near East.
• The Crusade's success was more due to the weakness of the Muslims at the times, rather than the strength of the Crusaders.
• Weakening factors included competing caliphates (Abbassid Sunni and Fatimid Shiite).

The Fatimid Shiite Caliphate

• Initially, the Fatimid Shiite caliphate in Egypt misjudged the Crusaders' objectives.
• They miscalculated the scope of the crusader movement which went beyond the Northern Levant.
• The Fatimids, realizing the Crusaders' intentions, attempted to push back the crusader movement through several land and sea campaigns.

The Fatimids and Crusaders

• The Fatimid state's weakness prevented it from defeating the Crusaders.
• Baldwin I, a Crusader leader, penetrated into Egypt and died south of Al-Manzalah Lake in 512/1118.

Disturbances in Egypt

• Internal conflicts and power struggles among ministers (Sawur and Durgam) weakened the Fatimid caliphate.
• These conflicts, in addition to the external pressures from the crusaders, led to increasing instability and dissatisfaction amongst the Egyptians towards the Fatimids.
• The conflicts were the start of a new phase in the history of Egypt and the Near East.

Crusader Dangers

• The growing power and influence of the Crusaders led to increased reaction throughout the Islamic world.
• The success of a united Islamic front was considered crucial to counter the Crusaders.

The Jihad Movement

• Imād al-dīn Zinğī led the initial stages of the jihad movement.
• His son, Nur al-din Mahmud, further developed the campaign by annexing Damascus in 549/1154.
• The campaign eventually led to the annexation of Egypt to extend the united Islamic front.

The Egyptians support for the Jihad Movement

• Egyptians joined the side of Shirkuh in opposition to the crusaders.
• The Fatimid Caliph al-ʻĀdd chose Shirkuh as a minister.
• Shirkuh became a hero, achieving his goal, and returning to his position/role.

Conflicts in Egypt between 559 & 564

• Internal conflicts between Egyptian ministers (Sawur and Durgam) emerged while they sought support from external forces including the Crusades.
• Nur al-din responded to these threats by organizing military campaigns to Egypt to curb the crusader encroachment.

Salah Al-Din and the Fatimids

• After Shirkuh's death, Salah al-Din succeeded him as both the minister of the Fatimid caliph and leader of Nur al-din's forces.
• Salah al-Din's dual role was a source of embarrassment.

The Crusader King 'Ammuri

• 'Ammuri, king of Jerusalem, sought help from the Roman empire.
• This coordinated effort was met by Salah al-Din's defense of Damietta, forcing the Crusaders to retreat and lift siege on Damietta.

The Fatimid Caliphate

• The Sunni Caliphate's influence weakened the Fatimid Caliphate.
• Salah al-Din eliminated the Fatimid Caliphate in 567/1171 on the first Friday.
• This marked a critical turning point in Egyptian history.

Salah al-Din's Strengthening in Egypt

• Salah al-Din enhanced his position in Egypt following the demise of the Fatimid State and sought independence.
• He established connections with the people of Egypt by employing their people and relatives in high government positions.
• He also replaced Shia judges with Shafi'a judges and abolished advocacy councils, establishing policies aligned with the Sunni doctrine.
• He established the Nasiriyah School to enhance and promote Sunni doctrine.

Internal and External Threats

• Egypt faced internal threats (remnants of the Fatimid caliphate and their supporters).
• Egypt also faced external threats from Crusaders and their allies.
• Salah al-Din managed to overcome them.

Collapse of the Islamic Front

• Salah al-Din understood the collapse of the Islamic front due to his master, Nur al-Din's death and leaving a young son.
• He perceived that the crusaders were leveraging these divisions.
• The growing ambitions of princes in the Levant added to the challenges.

Unifying Islamic Forces

• Salah al-Din unified the Islamic forces by himself becoming King of Egypt.
• He expanded the Islamic territories.
• He conquered the Levant and consolidated the Islamic power.

Organization and Fortifications of Egypt

• Upon returning to Cairo & Egypt, Salah al-din reorganized Egypt after a 2 year absence.
• He focused on creating strong fortifications for the protection of Egypt, recognizing the difference in defensive capabilities between Egypt and the Levant.
• He reconstructed fortifications and established a citadel for defense.

Strengthening the Caliphate

• Salah al-Din restored the wall of Cairo (al-Qahira) in preparation for dealing with outside threats.
• He extended the fortifications throughout Cairo and associated towns to strengthen the defenses further.
• This defensive measures were important in safeguarding the country from outside attacks in 572/1176.

Further Jihad in the Levant

• Salah al-Din went to the Levant to complete the policy to carry out a major Jihad against the crusaders in 578/1182.
• He actively fought against Islamic separatists and crusader forces.
• He ultimately achieved a unification of the Islamic forces in 582/1186, securing control of Egypt and the Levant.

This quiz explores the Ayyubid period, focusing on the conflicts faced by Sultans, including battles against the Fatimids and Crusaders. It also discusses the impact of the First Crusade on the Arab world and the expansion of Crusader kingdoms in the Levant. Test your knowledge on this significant historical era!