Jerusalem Under Siege: From Saladin's Conquest to Present-Day Struggles

By Syed Muhammad Fauzan Ali

Amidst the unfolding heart-wrenching events in Gaza and Palestine, it is crucial to explore the historical backdrop shaping the ongoing conflicts. The tumultuous streets echo with the resonance of history, drawing parallels to the age-old struggle for control over Jerusalem—a city laden with religious and geopolitical significance. To gain a clearer understanding of the current situation, we delve into the historical context that contributes to the complexities of present-day challenges. Beyond the surface of declared wars against terror, a concealed motive emerges, surpassing immediate concerns of security and ideology. This hidden agenda manifests in a recurring historical pattern – orchestrated crusades aimed at asserting dominion. The link between past and present underscores the enduring nature of conflicts, emphasizing that the quest for control has long been a formidable force shaping the destinies of nations.

For nearly three centuries, from 800 to 1100, the Arab civilization stood as a beacon of advancement, rivaling China as the epicenter of knowledge in science, astronomy, and geography. Europeans sought wisdom by delving into the richness of the Arabic language, unearthing a treasure trove of knowledge that would later shape the foundations of the European Renaissance. In bustling cities like Damascus, Cairo, and Baghdad, populations surpassed 2 million, surpassing even the capitals of London and Paris.

Yet, the ease and comfort of Arab leaders were disrupted in the late 11th century by the unanticipated force of the First Crusade. It emerged as a reaction from Christians against the spread of Islam into the Holy Land and Byzantium through the Fatimids and Saljuks. Immersed in the luxuries of the Islamic Renaissance, the caliph in Baghdad had underestimated the determination and military might of the European invaders. The traumatic fall of Jerusalem marked a turning point, unleashing a wave of theological passion that resulted in atrocities, with the streets of the Holy City drenched in blood and mosques and synagogues destroyed.

In the book "Warriors of God," James Reston Jr. talks about why the Vatican needed to apologize. He highlights that the Crusades, lasting 200 years, caused extreme hate and violence. This impact echoed through history until the time of Hitler. Reston, in his unbiased look at the Third Crusade (1187-92), uncovers the complicated reasons that led to the Vatican admitting their crimes committed in the past.

The narrative begins with the Arab victory in 1187, as the Kurdish Sultan Saladin triumphantly entered Jerusalem. Saladin's political acumen paved the way for military success, uniting Egypt and Syria and forging a unified Arab force. Despite Saladin's triumph, his path to Jerusalem was not without challenges, as Reston portrays him as a vigilant yet effective leader.?

Saladin's rule stood out for its modesty and lack of zeal. His ability to unite diverse populations, including Jews and Christian Copts, contributed to his success. After a decade of combat, Saladin's decisive victory at the Battle of Hattin in 1187 led to the fall of Jerusalem, marking an 88-year Christian rule. However, Saladin's nobility allowed Christians to purchase their freedom rather than face revenge.

This contrasted significantly with the atrocities perpetrated by certain Christians during the capture of Jerusalem. Saladin's act of allowing the minority Christians and Jews to live in peace and harmony after taking over the city stands as a testament to his character. No women or children were harmed under his rule, showcasing a stark difference from the violent and brutal acts committed by the Christians against Muslims. This historical truth is encapsulated in the movie "Kingdom of Heaven" with the poignant dialogue between Balian of Ibelin and Saladin. Belian: [Saladin has just offered safe conduct in his terms] When the Christians captured Jerusalem, they massacred every Muslim in the city walls... Saladin: I am not those men. I am Salahudin.

Following the capture of Jerusalem by the Ayyubid sultan Saladin in 1187, the aftermath prompted Pope Gregory III to call for a new Crusade. This led to the initiation of the Third Crusade in 1189, led by three European monarchs of Western Christianity: Philip II of France, Richard I of England, and Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor. Despite successfully capturing Acre in 1191, the Crusaders faced challenges in fully dislodging Saladin. The truce reached with Richard the Lionheart in 1192 marked the conclusion of the Third Crusade.

Saladin's death in 1193 left a void in the Muslim coalition he had forged. While the Ayyubid dynasty, his descendants, continued to rule in Egypt and Syria, his death signaled the unraveling of the Muslim coalition which continued for several generations.

The deep scars of the Crusades lingered in the collective consciousness of both Europeans and Arabs. In all, there were eight crusades which lasted in 1291 ultimately resulting in the defeat of Europeans and Muslim victory. However, many argue that they successfully extended the reach of Christianity and Western civilization. The Roman Catholic Church experienced an increase in wealth, and the power of the Pope was elevated during the Crusades. In the 20th century, the Battle of Maysalun marked the commencement of the triumph of the cross. The southwestern region of Syria, as well as Greater Syria, experienced conflicts and invasions that left enduring scars on its landscape. General Henri Gouraud landed in Beirut on 18 November 1919, with the ultimate goal of bringing all of Syria under French control, and the region has been confronting assaults and unrest that have intensified the lasting impacts of the past. Gouraud on his arrival in Syria allegedly went to the Tomb of Saladin, kicked it, and said: “Awake, Saladin. We have returned. My presence here consecrates the victory of the Cross over the Crescent”. Today, some perceive the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Palestine as the “shades of the past”, underscoring how certain historical wounds never truly heal.