Zengi

Question 1

Which muslim lands did he hold?

Answer 1

• He was the governor of Mosul
• showed political skill when arranging marriage alliance with Ridwan of Aleppo’s daughter - allowed him to take control of the city in 1128

Question 2

What were his aims?

Answer 2

his ultimate goal was the conquest of Damascus - unable to happen due to unrest in own lands and the alliance of Unur of Damascus and Jerusalem in the 1140s

Question 3

How did he contribute to the weakening of Outremer?

Answer 3

1144, took advantage of division between Joscelin and Raymond and attacked Edessa - fell 1144

Question 4

When did he die and what was the significance of Zengi?

Answer 4

• Died 1146 and his lands were divided between his sons Nureddin and Saif ad-Din
• First leader to use jihad to launch a military response to the crusader states
• created an image of the leader of jihad by building Madrasas in his lands, taking title ‘adornment of Islam’ and using Arabic scholars to legitimise power

Question 5

What was Zengi’s reputation?

Answer 5

reputation for ruthlessness against his own men - much of his career was spent fighting fellow muslims