Saladin (Salah al-Din)

Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub, commonly known as Saladin, was a Kurdish commander and political leader. He was the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty and the first sultan of both Egypt and Syria. An important figure of the Third Crusade, he spearheaded the Muslim military effort against the Crusader states in the Levant. At the height of his power, the Ayyubid realm spanned Egypt, Syria, Upper Mesopotamia, the Hejaz, Yemen, and Nubia.

Connection to Damascus

Grew up in Damascus; made it his capital; died and was buried in Damascus; his tomb is a major landmark.

Known for

Captured Jerusalem in 1187; founder of the Ayyubid dynasty; most famous Muslim hero.