The Emirate of Damascus in the early Crusading period, 488-549/1095-1154
Abstract
This study "The Emirate of Damascus During the Early
Crusading Period 488-549/1095-1154 deals with this
Emirate which was established in 488/1095, after the
defeat and the murder of Taj al-Dawla Tutush near Rayy
in 488/1095 by his nephew Sultan Berkiyaruq Ibn Sult-an
Malik-Sh5h. The dominions of Ti al-Dawla, mainly in
Syria and the Jazira divided between his elder sons King
Fakhr al-Mullik Ridwan in Aleppo and King Shams al-Muliik
Ducfaq in Damascus. The Kingdom of Damascus comprized
south Syria and some parts of the Jazira such as al-
Rahba and Mayyafäriqin.
Zahir al-Din Tughtekln, who was Atabek of King Duclaq, became the de facto ruler of Damascus during the
reign of King Duqaq 488-497/1095-1104. After the death
of Duqaq, Tughtekin was to be the real Amir of Damascus,
and his dynasty was to gain control of the Emirate until
its fall at the hands of Niir al-Din Mahmild of Aleppo in
549/1154.
In this thesis, the following matters are discussed:
1. The conditions which led to the foundation of this
Emirate.
2. The role of Tughtekin in establishing his authority
in the Emirate.
3. The foreign policy of the Emirate, and the factors
which shaped this policy.
4. The effects (on the Emirate) of the coming of the
Crusaders particularly those of Jerusalem.
S. Internal rivalries in the Emirate, and their
influence on the stability of the Emirate and its
external relations.
6. The policy of alliances adopted by the Emirate and
the factors which affected this.
7. The influence of the growing power of Zangi of
Aleppo and Mosul (521-541/1127-1146) on Damascus and
why he did not succeed in annexing Damascus to his
united front in Syria and the Jazira aimed at
challenging the power of the Crusaders.
8. The reasons which helped Mir al-Din Mahmüd Ibn Zangi
of Aleppo to annex Damascus to his state in
549/1154.
9. The importance of the military power of Damascus and
Its role in protecting the Emirate.
Finally a concluding section sums up the achievement
of the Emirate of Damascus in maintaining its
Independence during the period and the role of the
Emirate in the Counter-Crusade.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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