The Zengid and Ayyubid Military Elite in the Levant

Dr. Saja Mishal Rasheed

University of Mosul – College of Arts – Department of History

Abstract

The Crusader invasion and occupation in the Levant created a new reality represented by the emergence of strange and hostile political entities whose primary goal was to wage wars against Muslims and seek to occupy more of their lands, and the continuous agreement of masses of European fighters to participate in these operations. This continuing and imminent danger necessitated social and political changes in the region, including the emergence of ruling regimes whose most prominent priorities were defending the areas remaining in Muslim hands, such as Damascus and Aleppo, and then striving to liberate the occupied territories. This led to the rise of the military elite that arose under these regimes to the highest ranks in industry. The decision to make the conflict with the Crusaders the highest level of the special class. It came directly after the ruling families in the societal ranking. In this research, we will discuss the emergence of this military class, the nature of the development of its influence in the Zengid and Ayyubid states in the Levant, and the main positions it held that emerged at this stage, as a result of the Islamic-Crusader conflict. In addition to the political roles, it played in the Levant, whether in the jihad against the Crusaders or within Islamic-Islamic relations.

Keywords: Military, Zengid, Ayyubid, Levant.