The Zangid Atabeg Army and Its Historical Evolutions

The Zangid Atabegs fought with the governments of the Levant, both Crusaders and Muslims, during their time which is why the military force was a significant part of their reign. Seljuks were the origin of the Zengid dynasty. Before them, the Seljuks were also present in the Levant. Therefore, The Zangid Atabeg army has similarities with the Seljuk army. However, the Zangid dynasty formed some changes in the old Seljuk army based on the geographical conditions of the Levant and the island, other forces, and enemies like the Byzantines and the Crusaders. This paper seeks to answer the question, what was the Zangid Atabeg army like, and what changes did it go through until the year 569 A.H.? Based on the findings of this research, the Zangid Atabeg held the majority of Seljuk military positions, but the main difference was their Cavalry. The Turkomans formed the core force of the army, and Turkish slaves, Bedouin Arabs, Kurdish warriors, Ehadath, and Khorasani infantry followed them. The army's financial resources were Iqta', cash, and spoils of war. As the crusaders became the main enemy of the Zangid Atabeg, there were changes in both the warfare and the forces they used, mainly to repel the heavy attacks of the crusader's arms.