Saladin's secret heart

Ibn al-Athir relates that shortly before his death, Saladin held a discussion with his brother and son concerning the future of the Ayyubid Empire. Their conversation centered on strategic questions: where should the empire's center of gravity lie, and in which directions should it expand?

A closer examination of the political realities of the period, drawing on sources beyond Ibn al-Athir, suggests that the envisioned focus of expansion was not the Levant but rather Iran, Anatolia, and parts of modern-day Iraq. This has implications for how we understand Saladin's ambitions, challenging the popular image of him as a ruler driven by a pan-Islamic mission. Instead, his calculations appear to have been rooted largely in dynastic considerations (oh my God, who could've guessed that?).

Had these plans been fully realized, one of their most significant consequences would likely have been the reversal of Turkic political dominance in much of the region. The course of Middle Eastern history might have been dramatically altered, as later Turkic dynasties, including the Ottomans, may never have emerged as the dominant powers they became. In practice, however, the Ayyubids only succeeded in implementing a small part of this broader vision: 

In Şafar of this year [March 1193] Saladin (Şalah al-Din Yūsuf ibn Ayyüb ibn Shādhī), lord of Egypt, Syria, the Jazīra and other lands, died in Damascus.' He was born in Takrīt and we have mentioned the reason for the family's move away from there and their becoming rulers of Egypt under the year 564 [1169].

The reason for his illness was that he went out to meet the pilgrims. After returning, he fell ill that same day with a feverish sickness that lasted for eight days and then he died (God have mercy on him).

Before his illness he had summoned his son al-Afdal 'Alī and his brother al-'Adil Abū Bakr and consulted them about what he should do. He said, 'We have finished with the Franks. There is nothing to occupy us in this land. Which region shall we attack?' His brother al-'Adil suggested an attack on Khilāt, because Saladin had promised him, if he took it, that he would hand it over to him, but his son al-Afdal suggested an attack on Anatolian lands that were in the hands of the sons of Qilij Arslan. He said, 'They are more extensive lands with more troops and wealth and may be taken sooner. Moreover, they are on the route of the Franks when they come by land. If we take them, we shall deny them passage through them.' He replied, 'Both of you are remiss, lacking in ambition. No, I shall invade Byzantine lands.' He then said to his brother, 'Do you take one of my sons and part of the army and attack Khilāt. When I have finished with the lands of Byzantium I shall come to you. We shall enter Azerbayjan and go on to Persian lands, for there is no-one to stop us.' He then ordered his brother al-'Adil to proceed to Kerak, which was held by him, and said to him, 'Make your preparations and then come back ready to start.' After he had travelled to Kerak, Saladin became ill and he died before his return.