Shajar ad-Durr

Egyptian leader

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July 13, 2026

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Shajar al-Durr was a significant figure in Egyptian history, briefly ruling as the "queen of the Muslims" in 1250 CE. She was the widow of al-Ṣāliḥ, the last great sultan of the Ayyūbid dynasty. Following her husband's death and the assassination of his son, Shajar al-Durr seized power. However, her reign was short-lived as Syrian emirs refused to recognize her authority, and the caliph urged the Egyptian emirs to appoint a male ruler. To appease the Syrians, Aybak was appointed commander-in-chief and married Shajar al-Durr, becoming the effective ruler of Egypt. Shajar al-Durr's own end came when she murdered Aybak in a fit of jealousy, only to be killed by Aybak's slave women days later.12

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Aybak
Shajar al-Durr, al-Ṣaliḥ’s widow, thereupon proclaimed herself “queen of the Muslims”; she was recognized in Egypt, but the Syrian emirs refused to pay her homage. The caliph took the side of the Syrians and asked the Egyptian emirs to choose a man in her place.…
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Shajar al-Durr, al-Ṣaliḥ’s widow, thereupon proclaimed herself “queen of the Muslims”; she was recognized in Egypt, but the Syrian emirs refused to pay her homage. The caliph took the side of the Syrians and asked the Egyptian emirs to choose a man in her place.…
Read More