Jerusalem under the Ayyubid dynasty after Saladin's death
| Historical Religious Sites | Medieval Islamic History | Interfaith Relations |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published:
3 min read
After the death of Saladin in 1193, Jerusalem remained under the control of the Ayyubid dynasty, which continued to uphold a policy of religious tolerance. The Ayyubids allowed Jewish and Orthodox Christian communities to settle in the region, fostering a diverse cultural and religious landscape. One of the significant achievements during this period was the restoration of the Haram al-Sharif and the Dome of the Rock, which were returned to Muslim worship, reinforcing the Islamic significance of these sites. Additionally, Saladin had previously constructed the Mosque of Omar outside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This mosque commemorated the decision of the Rashid caliph Umar to pray outside the church, a move intended to preserve the church's status as a Christian site and prevent any future claims that could jeopardize its sanctity. The Ayyubid dynasty's approach to governance in Jerusalem was characterized by a commitment to coexistence among the three Abrahamic faiths, which played a crucial role in maintaining relative peace in the city during a tumultuous period in history.

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