NASIR, AN-

died 1225 34th 'Abbasid caliph (reigned 11801225), the last strong 'Abbasid caliph before the destruction of the dynasty by the Mongols. Nasir devoted himself almost exclusively to restoring the former temporal power of the caliphate, turning his attention particularly to the east. In the west, Saladin was engaged in his struggles against the Crusaders, but Nasir sent him little aid in spite of repeated requests. In the east, however, Nasir was helped by the ongoing collapse of the Seljuk Turkish empire, giving him opportunities to expand his control. He fought the Turks, Persians, and later the Mongols, built numerous buildings, and assumed control of the chivalrous futuwa order, enhancing his standing among the various Muslim princes.