Salah ad-Din and the Liberation of Jerusalem

    By صلاح غندور

    Salah ad-Din and the Liberation of Jerusalem cover image

    14 Mar, 2024

    a man in a medieval outfit standing in front of a large group of men in a desert area with a building in the background, antipodeans, a detailed matte painting, Altoon Sultan, promotional image

    Standing amidst the wreckage, Salah ad-Din looked over the battlefield. His heart ached for the loss of life, yet he knew the cause was just. His troops, weary but victorious, gathered around him.

    a man in a red turban standing in front of a large group of men in desert like setting, hurufiyya, a detailed matte painting, Altoon Sultan, cinematic matte painting

    He addressed his men, 'We have won a great victory today, but our task is not complete. Jerusalem, the Holy City, remains in enemy hands.' His voice echoed determination and resolve.

    a group of men walking down a dirt road in the desert with mountains in the background and a cloudy sky, dau-al-set, a poster, Amir Zand, cinematic photography

    Salah ad-Din led his men on the march towards Jerusalem. The journey was arduous, through scorching desert and treacherous mountain passes. Yet, their spirits remained high, their resolve unbroken.

    a group of men in traditional clothing walking down a street in a city with a sunset in the background, hurufiyya, a detailed matte painting, Altoon Sultan, cinematic photography

    At night, under the star-studded sky, Salah ad-Din would often say, 'I will not laugh while Jerusalem is captive.' His words served as a reminder of their mission, strengthening their resolve.

    a man in a medieval costume standing in front of a castle with flags flying in the air and people in the background, hurufiyya, a detailed matte painting, Altoon Sultan, medieval

    Upon reaching Jerusalem, Salah ad-Din found a city ready to defend itself. The Crusaders had fortified the city, and their flags fluttered in the wind, a defiant challenge.

    a group of men in medieval costumes standing in front of a castle with a crowd of people in the background, hurufiyya, a detailed matte painting, Altoon Sultan, promotional image

    Despite the odds, Salah ad-Din was undeterred. He ordered his men to prepare for a siege. For days and nights, the city was under relentless assault, the air filled with the clamor of battle.

    a man in a medieval outfit walking through a stone city with a lot of people in the background and a fire in the middle of the ground, romanesque, a detailed matte painting, Altoon Sultan, medieval

    Finally, the walls of Jerusalem crumbled under the relentless assault. Salah ad-Din's army poured into the city, their war cries echoing through the streets. Jerusalem was free at last.

    a man in a red and gold outfit standing in front of a crowd of men in armor and helmets, dau-al-set, a detailed matte painting, Altoon Sultan, promotional image

    Despite the joy of victory, Salah ad-Din reminded his men of their duty. 'We are not here to plunder or harm,' he declared. 'We are here to free Jerusalem from its chains.'

    a man in a red turban is walking in a crowd of men in brown and white outfits, hurufiyya, a character portrait, Altoon Sultan, orientalism

    In the days that followed, Salah ad-Din ensured that the city's inhabitants were treated with respect. He allowed those who wished to leave to do so safely, while those who chose to stay were given protection.

    a man in a black outfit standing in front of a building with a crowd of people around him and a man in a white turban, hurufiyya, a detailed matte painting, Altoon Sultan, promotional image

    He also ordered the restoration of churches, synagogues, and mosques. Under his rule, Jerusalem became a city where people of all faiths could live and worship in peace.

    a man in a red turban and a group of men in white turbans stand in a line, hurufiyya, a character portrait, Altoon Sultan, promotional image

    Salah ad-Din's actions earned him respect from friend and foe alike. His name became synonymous with justice and tolerance, his legacy enduring long after his passing.

    a man in a black and gold outfit standing in front of a group of men in white and gold, hurufiyya, a detailed matte painting, Altoon Sultan, promotional image

    Today, his story serves as a reminder of the power of conviction and the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of their faith or origin.

    Salah ad-Din and the Liberation of Jerusalem