The Political Importance of Damietta in the Late Fatimid Era and During the Ayyubid from565AHto615AH

Abstract

Damietta is a port city of ancient Egypt, situated on the eastern bank of the Nile branch that bears its name. It is separated from the mouth of this branch in the Mediterranean Sea by a distance of no more than 15 kilometers. It is mentioned in many historical sources, including the writings of Egyptian scholars, travelers, and orientalists However, these historical sources reveal the mystery and discrepancies surrounding the history of Damietta. It is not known when it was founded or who founded it, but what is certain is that Damietta is a city that lived during the time of empires, the most important of which were the Greek and Roman, and it had many names Therefore, the most important aspect of this study is to highlight the historical events that were within the scope of the research to indicate the importance of the region, including its resources and important geographical location. The city of Damietta received great attention from the caliphs of the Arab Islamic state, especially during the Fatimid era, as it was considered an important border outpost and a line of defense against attempts at foreign influence. Its geographical location also had a significant impact on the abundance of water and the diversity of climate, which led to the flourishing of agriculture and trade, and in turn attracted populations and improved and developed life in the city To exert a broad influence on the course of events in Egypt, the city underwent periods of fortification and strengthening, particularly with the increasing Crusader threat. Numerous military commanders and local governors were appointed to oversee its protection, making it one of the most important naval bases in Islamic Egypt. It played a prominent military role when the city was subjected to raids It was a bulwark against Egypt’s enemies. In addition, Damietta worked to strengthen economic relations between Egypt and other countries, as it was the only port in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, receiving ships and facilitating the movement of goods, which made it a major gateway for Egypt and the Arab region during the Middle Ages. .