The Concept of Arabian Knighthood at the Time of the Crusades
The Concept of Arabian Knighthood in the Twelfth Century
The Crusades (1095-1292 A.D.)played an important role in its reciprocal influence between the Islamic and Crusaders in Syria during the middle Ages. The concept of knighthood was one of those influences. The concept itself was not well known for Arabs as it was later developed for the Crusaders in their societies. For there were several rites and traditions that a knight had to undergo before granted the position of a knight. Nevertheless, Arabian knights were described by the same characteristics of bravery, chivalry, and altruism. We can also say that Arabs before Islam in their battles and wars or what was later called the days of the Arabs valued the characteristics of a knight. These were emphasized in their poetry because a lot of warriors and heroes used to sing in praise of their heroism and chivalry such as Antara and Al-Zer Salem and Imru Al-Qais.
I will try to describe the concept of knighthood as it was understood and applied in Arabic and Islamic society in the twelfth century (six century Hijra). This century is exceptional in Arabic history because it witnessed some of the fiercest battles between the Moslems and the Crusaders. The main question is whether the Moslems were influenced by the concept of the knight or was it that the West were influenced by the qualities of the Arabian knight and then the concept itself evolved differently in the West.
This study also aims to shed light on the most important figure in the Crusades, and that is Saladin, who came to symbolize for the West the Arabian and Eastern knight. In his battles that he led against the crusaders he was able to embody characteristics that won the appraise of his enemies and their respect.
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