The Ayyubid Era

<p>This new MWNF Travel Book was conceived not long before the war started. All texts refer to the pre-war situation and are our expression of hope that Syria a land that witnessed the evolution of civilisation since the beginnings of human history may soon become a place of peace and the driving force behind a new and peaceful beginning for the entire region. Bilad al-Sham testifies to a thorough and strategic programme of urban reconstruction and reunification during the 12th and 13th centuries. Amidst a period of fragmentation visionary leadership came with the Atabeg Nur al-Din Zangi. He revived Syria's cities as safe havens to restore order. His most agile Kurdish general Salah al-Din (Saladin) assumed power after he died and unified Egypt and Sham into one force capable of re-conquering Jerusalem from the Crusaders. The Ayyubid Empire flourished and continued the policy of patronage. Though short-lived this era held long-lasting resonance for the region. Its recognisable architectural aesthetic - austere yet robust and perfected ‒ survived until modern times.</p><p>The Ayyubid Era: Art and Architecture in Medieval Syria describes eight thematic Itineraries including among others the cities of Damascus Bosra Homs Hama Aleppo and Raqqa.</p><p>This title is part of the series "Islamic Art in the Mediterranean". Each title in this series starts with a general introduction to the series followed by an introduction to the particular title.</p><ul> <li><strong>For the eBook / Kindle version</strong>: the "Look Inside" link gives access to the table of contents of this title and to a part of its particular introduction.</li> <li><strong>For the paperback version:</strong> the "Look Inside" link provides access to the general introduction.</li></ul><p>Note: the eBook includes an index of locations.</p><p><strong>Search for other titles in this series available in English with ‘</strong>Islamic art in the Mediterranean + MWNF’ (ten titles).</p><p><strong>Search for all Museum With No Frontiers titles in all languages with ‘</strong>Museum With No Frontiers + MWNF’.</p>