The Ayyubid Era. Art and Architecture in Medieval Syria

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. 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.

A single gate being more defensible, the two side entrances were blocked up
during the Islamic period. The minaret is evidence of Nur al-Din's reconstructions,
as are the extensions of the wall, albeit with smaller stones, the arrow slits and
the machicolations. I.1.g Tower of al-Salih Ayyub (Option) Continue walking
around the walls for a further 500 m, past the traffic triangle, cemetery and
contemporary mosque on your left. Directly facing the mosque is the base of the
square tower.