AYYUBID ARMY AND STRATEGY IN BATTLE OF HATTIN

Abstract

This article examines the military and political struggle of Saladin (Ṣalāḥ ad-Dīn Yūsuf ibn Ayyūb) against the Crusaders, with a particular focus on the Battle of Hattin in 1187 and its impact on the course of the Crusades. By the last quarter of the 12th century, the Kingdom of Jerusalem had weakened due to internal conflicts and unstable governance, rendering it vulnerable to Saladin’s strategic maneuvers. Taking advantage of this situation, Saladin successfully unified the Muslim world and launched a decisive campaign against the Crusaders. The article provides a detailed analysis of Saladin’s diplomatic initiatives, military strategies, and the composition of his army. Saladin’s military tactics, which heavily relied on mobile cavalry and mounted archers, proved highly effective against the Crusaders' heavily armored forces. His use of feigned retreats, control over water sources, and psychological warfare were key elements that paved the way for his victory at Hattin. This triumph was not merely a battlefield success; it also marked a turning point that significantly undermined Crusader dominance in the region and facilitated the conquest of Jerusalem. Additionally, the article explores the ethnic diversity within Saladin’s army, the contrasting narratives presented in Crusader and Islamic sources, and the broader military aspects of his campaigns. Finally, it discusses the long-term consequences of Saladin’s victory, particularly its impact on the medieval Islamic world, the trajectory of the Crusades, and his legacy as a leader known for both his military acumen and his policy of tolerance following the conquest of Jerusalem.