Yaqeen Podcast The Race to the Nile | The Salahuddin Generation | Ep. 5 | Dr. Hassan Elwan
10 snips
Jan 7, 2026 Dive into the tumultuous times of Egypt during the Ismaili collapse! Explore Nur al-Din's strategic maneuvers and the chaotic power plays as Shawar flees to him for support. Witness the thrilling lightning campaign to Cairo and the unexpected betrayals, especially Shawar's alliance with the Crusaders. Experience the gripping clash against the Franks, the desperate calls for aid via pigeons, and the shrewd political games unfolding. Ultimately, discover how young Yusuf, set to become Salah al-Din, emerges from this chaos to influence Egypt's destiny.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Lightning Campaign And Betrayal
- Asad al-Din Sherko led a handpicked force of 3,000 knights into Egypt to restore Shawar and succeeded in a lightning campaign to Cairo.
- After restoring Shawar, Sherko discovered Shawar denied the agreement and called the Franks against him, betraying the mission.
When Strategy Requires Caution
- Nur ad-Din hesitated to intervene in Egypt because of supply, Ismaili loyalty, and Frankish interference risks.
- Strategic caution sometimes demands refusing attractive but logistically dangerous options.
Mobilizing Through Scholars And Dua
- Nur ad-Din rallied the Syrian emirs by appealing to scholars and public dua, turning reluctance into mass support before Harim.
- His army then used tactical retreats and a full-day battle to win a decisive victory that pressured the Franks away from Egypt.