Saladin becomes the emir of Egypt.

Saladin, also known as ?al?? ad-D?n Y?suf ibn Ayy?b, was a prominent Muslim leader of the 12th century who rose to power during the era of the Crusades. Born in 1137 or 1138 in Tikrit (modern-day Iraq), he was of Kurdish origin and began his career serving under the Zengid ruler Nur ad-Din. Saladin was appointed vizier of Egypt in 1169, at a time when the region was under the weakening Fatimid Caliphate. Through careful political maneuvering and military skill, he abolished the Fatimid regime and restored Sunni Islam, effectively bringing Egypt under his control while still nominally serving Nur ad-Din.

After Nur ad-Din’s death, Saladin consolidated power across Egypt and Syria, founding the Ayyubid dynasty. His leadership was marked not only by military strength but also by diplomacy and religious legitimacy, which helped unify various Muslim factions that had previously been divided. This unity was crucial in confronting the Crusader states established in the Levant. Saladin’s strategic brilliance culminated in his decisive victory at the Battle of Hattin in 1187, where he defeated the Crusader army and captured many of its leaders.

Following this victory, Saladin recaptured Jerusalem, a city of immense religious significance, marking a turning point in the Crusades. Notably, his treatment of the city contrasted with earlier Crusader brutality; he allowed many inhabitants to leave peacefully and avoided mass slaughter, earning him respect even among his enemies. His reputation for chivalry was recognized by figures such as Richard the Lionheart, whom he faced during the Third Crusade. Saladin died in 1193 in Damascus, remembered as both a formidable military commander and a just, honorable ruler whose legacy endures in both Middle Eastern and Western historical traditions.