Life and political activities of Asad al-Din Shīrkūh

The 12th century was a turbulent period for the Middle East. The weakening of the Seljuks and the emergence of Crusader invasions increased the threats in the region. The Zengids, who emerged in this period, played a leading role in the stability of the region and its defense against the Crusaders. Najm al-Dīn Ayyūb and Asad al-Dīn Shīrkūh provided the greatest support to the Zangīs in this struggle. He, along with his brother Ayyūb, entered the service of the Zangids almost from their foundation. Shīrkūh's position within the state began to strengthen from the time of Imād al-Dīn Zangī, and his real emergence on the stage of history came after Imād al-Dīn's death. Shīrkūh ensured that Nureddin Zangī became the ruler of Aleppo, and in the following period he became Nureddin's regent and most important commander. Shīrkūh appears as the most important figure in the wars during the second Crusade, the capture of Damascus, the continuation of Nureddin's rule, the upbringing of his nephew Saladin and the capture of Egypt. Shīrkūh was not only a commander with military capability but also diplomatic and administrative skills. He became the emir with the largest land in the Zengid state thanks to the iqtas'given by Nur al-Din. In this study, we will examine in detail this distinguished figure who left impressive traces in history but did not receive the attention he deserved.