The Class of Ulama in the Period of Nur al-Din Mahmoud (541-569/1146-1174)

Nur al-Din Mahmoud Zengi, who became one of the most significant actors of the 6th/12th century after dominating large parts of Syria. The Zengi Atabeg in 541/1146 steadily expanded from its base in Aleppo and transformed its territory into a productive scholarly centre for the Muslim world throughout Nur al-Din’s twenty-seven years reign. With such activities, many scholars (ulama) settled down in his realm and came from neighbouring countries and emirates. Nur al-Din Mahmoud is mentioned alongside great leaders, whom under knowledge flourished such as al-Ma’mun, Nizam al-Mulk and Salah al-Din, he opened numerous madrasas for the ulama and established an environment for education firstly in Aleppo and then in Damascus, and at the same time he benefitted from their knowledge, ability and prestige by assigning them positions within the administration of his government. In this article, the formation period of the class of ulama during the reign of Nur al-Din Zengi, its outlook, hierarchy, and the missions undertaken by the ulama both in the educational system and other state affairs are discussed