When did Muslims lose Jerusalem?

The city of Jerusalem holds profound significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, serving as a sacred center of faith and history across these three major world religions. Given its importance, the control of Jerusalem has shifted throughout history, reflecting the ongoing political and religious struggles in the region. This blog post will explore when Muslims lost control of Jerusalem, the factors surrounding its capture, and the city's profound implications in religious and geopolitical contexts.

The Muslim Conquest of Jerusalem

To understand when Muslims lost Jerusalem, it is essential first to consider the period during which they gained control. Jerusalem was conquered by Muslim forces in 638 CE during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab, following the sweeping expansion of Islamic rule after the death of the Prophet Muhammad. The conquest of Jerusalem came after years of conflict between the Byzantine Empire and the Sassanid Empire, which had weakened the city.

Upon capturing Jerusalem, Umar respected the city's religious significance and its diverse population. He offered a peaceful transfer of power and allowed Christians and Jews to continue practicing their faiths. Under Muslim rule, Jerusalem thrived as a cultural and religious center, serving as the site where the Dome of the Rock was constructed, a monumental Islamic shrine, solidifying its importance in the Muslim world.

The Crusaders and the Loss of Jerusalem

Muslim control of Jerusalem persisted for nearly five centuries until it faced a formidable challenge during the Crusades. The Crusades were a series of religious wars initiated by European Christians with the aim of reclaiming control over the Holy Lands, including Jerusalem. The First Crusade, which began in 1096, marked a turning point in the history of Jerusalem under Muslim rule.

In 1099, the Crusaders successfully captured Jerusalem after a bloody siege. This marked a significant loss for Muslim forces, as the city was then governed by Christian rule. The brutal nature of the Crusader conquest led to widespread slaughter and the expulsion of many Jewish and Muslim inhabitants. The city became the capital of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, sending shockwaves across the Islamic world and igniting a fervent response.

The Islamic Response: Saladin’s Reconquest

The loss of Jerusalem to the Crusaders was a significant blow to the Muslim community. However, the tides would change with the rise of the Kurdish general Saladin (Salah ad-Din) in the late 12th century. Saladin is notable for his chivalrous conduct in warfare and his efforts to unite the fragmented Muslim states against the Crusaders.

In 1187, following a series of battles, Saladin launched a campaign to reclaim Jerusalem from Crusader control. The pivotal Battle of Hattin, which took place in July of that year, was a decisive victory for Saladin. His forces captured many Christian strongholds, eventually leading to the siege of Jerusalem itself.

After a short siege, the city fell to Saladin on October 2, 1187. Notably, Saladin's approach in reclaiming Jerusalem differed from the earlier Crusader conquest. He allowed safe passage for Christian residents and offered them protections, demonstrating a commitment to coexistence amidst the deep-seated religious tensions.

The Ottoman Period and the Lasting Muslim Presence

Following the reconquest by Saladin, Jerusalem remained under Muslim control for several centuries, becoming part of various empires, notably the Ayyubid, Mamluk, and ultimately the Ottoman Empire. Under Ottoman rule, which began in the early 16th century, Jerusalem continued to flourish both culturally and religiously. The Ottomans invested in the city's infrastructure, bolstering its status as a religious hub for Muslims.

The city maintained a majority Muslim population while also being home to significant Christian and Jewish communities. The Ottomans’ relatively tolerant policies allowed these diverse groups to continue their religious practices and cohabit, emphasizing Jerusalem's complexity as a city of multifaceted faiths.

The British Mandate and the Modern Era

The early 20th century brought new challenges to control over Jerusalem. After World War I and the defeat of the Ottoman Empire, the British seized control of Palestine and instituted the British Mandate in 1920. The management of Jerusalem became a contentious issue as the competing national aspirations of Jews and Arabs grew increasingly incompatible.

In 1948, as the State of Israel was established, the city experienced further turmoil. Jerusalem was divided into East and West, with East Jerusalem, which included the Old City and its religious sites, coming under Jordanian control. This marked another significant loss for the Jewish community but was also crucial in shaping the narratives around control of the city.

During the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel launched a preemptive strike against neighboring Arab states and successfully captured East Jerusalem, unifying the city under Israeli administration. This event was pivotal and prompted vigorous debates about the status of Jerusalem, which continues to be a core issue in Israeli-Palestinian relations.

Contemporary Implications

Today, Jerusalem remains a focal point of contention, symbolizing broader religious and political conflicts. The status of Jerusalem is fiercely debated; it is claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians as their capital. The city's sacred sites—the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—continue to evoke deep emotions and complex narratives for both communities.

Muslim control of Jerusalem has shifted multiple times throughout history, from its initial conquest in the 7th century to its current status marked by conflict and negotiation. The deep historical roots of these struggles highlight the city's significance, not just within Islam but also across Judaism and Christianity.