NUREDDIN

in full Nur Ad-din Abu Al-qasim Mahmud Ibn 'imad Ad-din Zangi born February 1118 died May 15, 1174, Damascus Muslim ruler who reorganized the armies of Syria and laid the foundations for the success of Saladin. Nureddin succeeded his father as the atabeg (ruler) of Halab in 1146, owing nominal allegiance to the 'Abbasid caliph of Baghdad. Before his rule, a major reason for the success of the crusaders was the disunity of the Muslim rulers of the region, who were unable to present a unified military front against the invaders. Nureddin waged military campaigns against the crusaders in an attempt to expel them from Syria and Palestine. His forces recaptured Edessa shortly after his accession, invaded the important military district of Antakiya in 1149, and took Damascus in 1154. Egypt was annexed by stages in 116971. An able general and just ruler, Nureddin was also noted for piety and personal bravery. He was austere and ascetic, disclaiming the financial rewards of his conquests: instead, he used the booty to build numerous mosques, schools, hospitals, and caravansaries. At the time of his death, his rule was recognized in Syria, in Egypt, and in parts of Iraq and Asia Minor.