Salah al-Din

Salah al-Din, known as Saladin in the West, was a Muslim military leader in the 12th century, famed for uniting the Muslim forces during the Crusades. Born in 1137 in what is now Iraq, he became the first Sultan of Egypt and Syria and is best known for his role in the Battle of Hattin in 1187, where he defeated the Crusaders and recaptured Jerusalem. Saladin is often celebrated for his chivalry and respect for his enemies, particularly in contrast to the brutalities of the Crusades, and remains a significant figure in both Muslim and Western history.