A review by inquiry_from_an_anti_library
Saladin: The Sultan Who Vanquished the Crusaders and Built an Islamic Empire by John Man

adventurous hopeful informative reflective fast-paced

5.0

Is This An Overview?

A solution to European regional conflicts, which included a Christian power struggle, was a Crusade.  The 1st Crusade united the leaders through conflict and a noble cause, against Islam.  Muslims did not have the unity to withstand the Crusade.  Some wanted to use the Crusaders against their own Muslim opponents or appease the Crusaders.  Even years after the Crusade, Arabic communities preferred Frankish leaders to their own.  But Christian misbehavior, created a desire to unite Muslim communities.  The 2nd and 3rd Crusades were initiated in response to Muslims recapturing territory.  The leader against the 3rd Crusade, was Saladin. 

 

Saladin was a Muslim Sultan who united Muslims and successfully defended the realm against the Crusaders.  Decisions that Saladin made, turned Saladin into a hero to Muslims and Christians alike.  Saladin was generous, and facilitated policies that enabled a prosperous economy.  Saladin was an effective negotiator, and avoided needless conflicts such as those which would have turned rivals into enemies. 

 

Saladin showed mercy to many, even to opponents.  Other leaders would not have shown mercy.  Sparing many people was a decision criticized by Saladin’s allies, as the spared people were then able to defend regions against Saladin.  Saladin’s generosity and mercy is contrasted by the Crusaders, who slaughtered many indiscriminately.  Christians might have united under a banner to engage in the Crusades, but Christians began to support Saladin as Saladin was seen as divine punishment for Christian misbehavior. 

 

What Political Situation Did Saladin Have To Manage?

Religion and culture united the people, but violent conflicts existed.  Various Islamic kingdoms were wealthy, and used the wealth to fund research.  They sought knowledge, no matter the source.  They were tolerant of diversity, such as in art and science, for all creation reflected the glory of Allah. 

 

Islam was split between Shia and Sunni sects.  Each having their politically dominant regions.  During this time, changing allegiances was common.  People might have been opponents during conflict, but were willing to trade with each other quickly after the conflict.  The political world could quicky change enemies and rivals into trading partners and friends.

 

Who Was Saladin?

Saladin came from a politically influential family.  Earned favor and political power from an early successful campaign.  Earning governorship of two villages initially, and gaining Egypt by being recognized as candidate for succession after the death of the predecessor.  Power was gained mostly through luck of circumstance. 

 

As Saladin gained power, there was a conflict as to who Saladin was supposed to serve.  Which religious sect, which peoples, which more powerful leader.  With diverse interests, Saladin was under threat from rebellion and assassination.  As Saladin secured power, Saladin became more independent of Saladin’s political supporter, Nur al-Din.

 

Saladin also had to deal with the Nizari, who became known as Assassins.  The Nizari were culturally Shi’te Islam.  The Nizari almost killed Saladin twice. 

 

Caveats?

There is a lot of content provided on the politics and the world during the era.  Most of the content on Saladin, is about interactions with the Crusaders.