Saladin (1138 – March 4, 1193), a Kurdish Muslim leader and founder of the Ayyubid dynasty, was one of the most celebrated rulers in medieval Islamic history. Born in Tikrit, Iraq, he rose to power in Egypt and established the Ayyubid Sultanate in 1171. He unified Egypt, Syria, Mesopotamia, Hejaz, and Yemen, and recaptured Jerusalem in 1187 after his decisive victory at the Battle of Hattin. During the Third Crusade, he faced Richard the Lionheart of England in legendary battles. Known for his chivalry, generosity, and tolerance toward enemies, Saladin is revered as a hero in the Islamic world. He died in Damascus in 1193.
