Salahuddin Ayyubi: His Greatest Expansions and Historic Conquests
Conquest of Syria
A Time of Change
In the early summer of 1174, the political landscape shifted dramatically — a pivotal moment in Salahuddin Ayyubi: His Greatest Expansions and Historic Conquests. While Nur ad-Din was assembling an army and sending summons to Mosul, Diyar Bakr, and the Jazira for an attack on Egypt, Saladin and the Ayyubids convened a council in Cairo, recognizing the looming threat.
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“My victory is not in the sword, but in mercy and justice.” – Attributed to Salahuddin Ayyubi
However, on 15 May, Nur ad-Din passed away after a brief illness, leaving his rule to his young son, as-Salih Ismail al-Malik. This event marked a turning point, granting Salahuddin Ayyubi the political independence that would soon pave the way for his greatest expansions and historic conquests.
The Critical Decision
After the death of his mentor and father-figure, Saladin expressed his grief in a heartfelt letter, vowing to become a sword against his enemies and calling the loss an “earthquake shock.” This emotional turning point in Salahuddin Ayyubi: His Greatest Expansions and Historic Conquests reveals his inner struggle between duty and faith.
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“He was the most merciful of kings, the most gentle of conquerors.” – Ibn Shaddad, chronicler of Salahuddin’s life
Faced with the choice of confronting the Crusaders from Egypt or awaiting a call to aid Syria, he also wrestled with the moral dilemma of annexing his master’s former lands—fearing such an act would contradict Islamic principles and undermine his right to lead.
The Path Forward
Saladin realized that to gain control over Syria, he needed either an invitation or a justified warning about the growing anarchy and the threat from the Crusaders.
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“If God blesses me with victory, I will show mercy as the Prophet showed mercy.” – Salahuddin Ayyubi
This moment in Salahuddin Ayyubi: His Greatest Expansions and Historic Conquests highlights how his rise was guided not only by the sword but by wisdom and faith. Reflecting on his leadership, one sees that patience and principle—rather than mere power—often shape the course of history and define true greatness.
Conquest of Damascus
In the wake of this death, Saladin faced a serious decision—whether to move against the Crusaders directly from Egypt, or wait to be invited into Syria for aid in the war. He knew he could also annex the land before a rival claimed it, but he feared that attacking the land of his master would be forbidden by Muslim principles.
It would appear hypocritical and make him unsuitable for leading, so he chose wisely, waiting for an invitation and preparing to warn against anarchy and danger that might rise from delay.By August, as-Salih was removed to Aleppo, under the guardianship of Gumushtigin, an emir, captain of veterans, and fierce planner of rivals.
A Call for Unity in Syria
The beginning of the fight for Damascus soon came, as in an emergency its emir appealed to Saif ad-Din of Mosul, his cousin, who refused, forcing the Syrians to seek assistance from Saladin. He complied, crossing the desert with 700 picked horsemen, passing al-Kerak and Bosra.
By 23 November, he arrived in Damascus to public acclamation, resting at his father’s old home until the gates of the Citadel, whose commander Raihan had at first refused to surrender, were opened after four days of siege by his brother Tughtakin ibn Ayyub.
There, Saladin entered the castle, receiving homage and salutations from grateful inhabitants, their emotions clear on their faces, like the loyalty of emirs, soldiers, and Bedouins whose hearts trusted his cause.
Further Conquests in Syria
When Saladin appointed his brother Tughtakin ibn Ayyub as Governor of Damascus, he turned his attention to other cities once under Nur ad-Din’s control but now acting independently. This stage in Salahuddin Ayyubi: His Greatest Expansions and Historic Conquests marked his strategic advance across Syria. His forces swiftly captured Hama but avoided Homs due to its fortified citadel.
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“He fought not for glory or gold, but for the honor of his faith.” – Historical reflection on Salahuddin
By 30 December, Saladin reached Aleppo, where Gumushtigin resisted surrender, and as-Salih urged the citizens to hold firm—yet, as some chroniclers observed, many were captivated by Salahuddin Ayyubi’s charisma and leadership.