Nur al-Din Zengi

Nur al-Din Zengi (1118–1174) was a Muslim leader and influential ruler in the 12th century who played a key role in unifying parts of Syria and northern Iraq. As a grandson of Zengi, he continued his father’s efforts to defend Muslim territories from Crusaders. Nur al-Din was known for his military skill, administrative abilities, and promotion of Islamic scholarship and justice. His leadership helped strengthen Muslim resistance during the Crusades and laid the groundwork for the later rise of Saladin, serving as a significant figure in medieval Middle Eastern history.