Amir Fakhr al-Din Yusof Sufi and His Role in the Developments of the Ayyubid Period in the Levant

Amir Fakhr al-Din Yusof (582-647 AH) descended from the family of Great Sheikh Sadr al-Din Mohammad (543-617 AH), one of the most influential Sufi families in the Levant and Egypt during the Ayyubid period (r. 567-648 AH). He played a prominent role in the political and military developments during the reign of Malek Kamel and his sons, especially King Saleh Najm al-Din Ayyub, and after Najm al-Din's death he became the viceroy for a while. In this article, based on a sample research model, we try to describe and explain the historical data on the political and military actions of Amir Fakhr al-Din Yusof, so that the position and role of the Sufis as an active current in the political and even military arenas in the Ayyubid government becomes clearer. The most important actions of Amir Fakhr al-Din in political affairs can be seen in his various missions on behalf of the Ayyubids to Baghdad, different regions of Syria and Sicily, and in his mediating role in reducing political tensions and conflicts in the Ayyubid dynasty and foreign conflicts with the Crusaders, especially close relations with Emperor Frederick II. In addition, being the commander in the Crusades, especially the Seventh War and the viceroy of the Ayyubid dynasty can be mentioned as his most important positions in military affairs.