Saladin Ayyubi, liberator of Jerusalem, to be portrayed on screen

TRT 1's highly anticipated series, 'Saladin Ayyubi, the Conqueror of Jerusalem,' is set to premiere on November 13. The series will depict the story of Saladin Ayyubi, renowned for his liberation of Jerusalem. The new trailer for the series features moments where Saladin reflects on the significance of Jerusalem. Saladin's remark, 'Jerusalem is a sacrifice,' is highlighted in the promotion, underscoring the conquest of Jerusalem and the subsequent rise of the Islamic world. The series boasts a cast including Uğur Güneş, Dilin Döğer, Mehmet Ali Nuroğlu, Kaan Çakır, Erdinç Gülener, Tuvana Türkay, Ekin Türkmen, Gökçe Akyıldız, Sezgin Erdemir, Ece Özdikici, and Seda Yıldız. Sedat İnci serves as the director of the series, while the script is penned by Serdar Özönalan. Saladin Yusuf bin Eyyub, a legendary figure in history, is known for his pivotal role in saving Jerusalem from Crusader occupation. Saladin Ayyubi, often quoted with the words 'How can I laugh when Jerusalem is under occupation,' was resolute in his mission to liberate the holy city. His unwavering determination sent a clear message to the world: 'You cannot take Jerusalem and its sacred sites without facing the ultimate sacrifice.' His achievements and actions in the region left a significant mark: Jerusalem, a city of immense importance to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, has hosted numerous civilizations throughout history. The city was first liberated by Hazrat Omar, the second Caliph of Islam, in 638, during the early Islamic conquests, saving significant religious sites, including Masjid al-Aqsa. In 1099, following the First Crusade, the city was once again occupied by Christians, and it remained under Crusader rule for nearly 88 years. Saladin Ayyubi, born in Tikrit, Iraq, in 1138, played a crucial role in freeing Jerusalem from Crusader control. He established the Ayyubid state in Egypt after the downfall of the Fatimid state and aimed to liberate the holy city. Saladin's military genius was evident in the Battle of Hittin, a decisive victory that severely weakened the Kingdom of Jerusalem and paved the way for the reconquest of Jerusalem. The siege of Jerusalem began on September 20, 1187, and approximately 2.5 months later, on October 12, 1187, the city was handed over to the Ayyubids, ending the 88-year Crusader occupation. Saladin Ayyubi, who deeply cared for Jerusalem, ensured the city's protection during the siege and expressed his reverence for its sanctity. Following the conquest, Saladin removed Christian symbols from Haram al-Sharif, enabling the call to prayer to resonate after 88 years. He also contributed to the city by placing the 'Salahaddin Pulpit' in the Masjid al-Aqsa. Saladin's legacy continues to be celebrated in the Islamic world, and the famous 'Salahaddin Street' in Jerusalem is named in his honour.