Sayf ad-Dīn Ghāzī I

Zangid ruler

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July 13, 2026

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Sayf ad-Dīn Ghāzī I was a Zangid ruler who governed northern Iraq from 1146 to 1149. The Zangid dynasty, founded by Zangī, controlled parts of Iraq and Syria between 1127 and 1222. Following Zangī's death, his sons divided the territory, with Sayf al-Dīn Ghāzī I inheriting Al-Jazīrah (northern Iraq) and his brother Nureddin ruling Syria. Nureddin's campaigns significantly expanded Zangid influence, leading to the conquest of Damascus and Egypt, and presenting a united Muslim front against the Crusaders. Although the Syrian and Iraqi branches were eventually reunited and later absorbed into Saladin's empire, the Zangids in Al-Jazīrah maintained control of Mosul for a period, even repelling Saladin's attempts to capture it. The dynasty's end came with the rise of Badr al-Dīn Lu'lu' as regent.12

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Zangid dynasty
…reigned 1146–74) and Al-Jazīrah to Sayf al-Dīn Ghāzī I (reigned 1146–49). Nureddin’s expansionist policy led him to annex Damascus (1154), subjugate Egypt (1168), and present a broad and competent Muslim front against the Crusaders, especially under such generals as Saladin, subsequent founder of the Ayyūbid dynasty of Egypt.
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…reigned 1146–74) and Al-Jazīrah to Sayf al-Dīn Ghāzī I (reigned 1146–49). Nureddin’s expansionist policy led him to annex Damascus (1154), subjugate Egypt (1168), and present a broad and competent Muslim front against the Crusaders, especially under such generals as Saladin, subsequent founder of the Ayyūbid dynasty of Egypt.
Read More