Saladin's Kurdish Roots: From Tikrit to the Throne

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore Saladin's Kurdish origins—a topic often glossed over in popular histories. From his father Najm ad-Din Ayyub and uncle Shirkuh's service under Zengi and Nur ad-Din, to his birth in Tikrit in 1137, we trace the early years that shaped the future sultan. We discuss the family's flight from Tikrit after a scandal, their rise in the Zengid court, and how Saladin's Kurdish identity influenced his leadership style and the Ayyubid dynasty. The conversation also touches on the role of Kurdish tribes in the region, Saladin's relationship with his Kurdish commanders, and how his background was used in both propaganda and criticism by his enemies. A fresh perspective on a familiar figure. #Saladin #KurdishHistory #AyyubidDynasty #Tikrit #NajmAdDinAyyub #Shirkuh #Zengids #NurAdDin #KurdishTribes #MedievalMiddleEast #Crusades #SalahAdDin #IslamicHistory #Kurdistan #Biography #History #FexingoHistory #Podcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo