What is zengids?

The Zengids were a Kurdish dynasty that ruled various territories in the Middle East from the late 11th century to the mid-12th century. They were centered in Mosul and their rule extended over parts of modern-day northern Iraq, eastern Turkey, and western Iran.

The founder of the Zengid dynasty was Imad ad-Din Zengi, who became famous for his successful campaigns against the Crusaders in Syria. His son, Nur ad-Din Zengi, was even more successful and managed to unite the Muslim states in the region against the Crusaders.

Under the Zengids, a distinct Kurdish culture emerged, with patronage of arts, literature, and architecture. They also promoted Sunni Islam and played an important role in the spread of the religion.

However, the Zengid dynasty eventually fell apart due to disputes among family members and pressure from the Seljuk Turks. The final blow came when the Crusaders captured Damascus in 1148, which was a major Zengid stronghold.

Despite their relatively short rule, the Zengids left a lasting impact on the history and culture of the Middle East, especially in the Kurdish regions where their legacy is still celebrated today.