Creator Bio
Al-Malik al-Afḍal ‘Alī
ca. 1169–1225
Al-Malik al-Afḍal ‘Alī ibn Salah ad-Din was the eldest son of Saladin and succeeded his father as sultan in Damascus in 1193. Al-Afḍal controlled large swaths of land in Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon. He had a tumultuous reign and faced many challenges to his power, including from a faction led by his uncle and brother. One of his personal physicians was Moses Maimonides, who wrote two medical treatises for him, hoping to cure him of chronic indigestion, constipation, and depression.
Content by Al-Malik al-Afḍal ‘Alī
Primary Source
Document of Appointment of a Jewish Leader
In the name of God the merciful and compassionate.
Through our praiseworthy conduct, our impeccable ways, our upright courses and our noble support, through which we have increased in [our own]…