The First Crusade according to Arabic sources

The Crusades emerge as a significant phenomenon that profoundly influenced world history, with consequences that have extended to the present day since their inception. Although the political and social structure of 11th-century Europe has often led to these expeditions being described primarily as religious undertakings, in reality economic and social motivations were decisive. This military mobilization of Europe toward the East greatly altered the historical trajectory of the region. The process began in 1095 with Pope Urban II's call for a Crusade at the Council of Clermont convened in France. Although the call was directed primarily at knights, various promises were made to all Christians who would participate in the expeditions. Participants were offered the opportunity to perform pilgrimage, the hope of escaping economic hardship, and the promise that the sins they had committed would be completely forgiven. It was also stated that they would be rewarded in the afterlife with blessings they had never heard of before. This discourse quickly resonated throughout Europe, and large masses of people showed great eagerness to join the Crusader army. Following the call, it was announced that the first Crusader contingent would set out in August 1096. However, the first wave, consisting mostly of ordinary people without military experience, dispersed within a short time. By contrast, the second wave was composed of more equipped and experienced soldiers, and this situation resulted in the establishment of various Crusader counties in the East. They did not even hesitate to disregard the promises they had given to the Byzantine Emperor in order to sustain these counties. This work aims to examine and evaluate the aforementioned information regarding the First Crusade through Arabic sources and the perspectives of the authors of these sources.