The Fatimids and Syria

In this chapter, author Yaacov Lev focuses on the Fatimid strategy in Syria and Palestine after 973. The Fatimids lacked explicit global Syrian strategy and focused on key towns like Damascus and Aleppo, neglecting rural areas and Bedouin dynamics. Despite rationality, religious ideology sometimes outweighed pragmatism. Caliph al-Mu?izz's methodical approach led to the Egyptian conquest, contrasting Jawhar's hasty Damascus campaign. Fatimid rule faced challenges, notably Carmathian incursions and Bedouin uprisings in Palestine. While Ramla flourished, Tiberias lacked defense. Palestinian governance saw shifts, integrating Bedouins into the Fatimid structure. Jerusalem's significance remained, attracting investment and pilgrimage. Fatimid control fluctuated, influenced by external powers and internal policies. Co-author David Bramoullé provides an in-depth analysis of the Fatimids' strategic maneuvers and naval operations in the context of the Crusades, focusing on their loss of coastal cities and the evolution of their naval strategy. Initially, they prioritized coastal control for trade and security, with Tyre as a key stronghold. However, the Crusades shifted focus, leading to the loss of most ports. Despite setbacks, they adapted their naval strategy, deploying larger fleets and innovative ships. By the 12th century, naval operations became crucial for defending their last territories and preventing Frankish attacks on Egypt. This study illuminates the evolving role of the Fatimid navy amidst changing geopolitical dynamics.