# Al-Ayoubi family

The Al-Ayoubi family is a prominent family of royal and noble lineage, tracing its origins to the Middle Ages. The family originated in the ancient Armenian city of Dvin.
In Dvin, the family was regarded as the political and military elite of the region before relocating to the Levant.

## Origins

Named after Najm ad-Din Ayyub the son of Shadhi Ibn Marwan a military elite fortress commander from Dvin, Armenia. He succeeded his father as governor of Tikrit and later ruled Baalbek under Imad al-Din Zengi. Then he settled in Damascus, where his son Saladin grew up and founded the Ayyubid dynasty.
The dynasty is known for its efforts in restoring Jerusalem and significantly influencing the political landscape of the region.
It ruled over modern-day Egypt, Syria, Upper Mesopotamia, the Hejaz, Yemen and the North African coast up to Tunisia. Saladin ascended to the throne and was known as Al-Malik Al-Naser (The Victorious King). appointing family members as Emirs (Princes) in various regions of his kingdom.

## Modern history

The family has played a significant role in the political, economic, and social landscape of the modern era, with its members holding influential positions in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. Today, most of the family resides in major cities such as Damascus, Beirut.

### In Iraq

* Ali Jawdat Al-Ayoubi (1853–1969), 15th Prime Minister of Iraq. He served as prime minister for three terms (1934, 1949, 1957) under King Ghazi I, King Faisal II, and regent 'Abd al-Ilah.

### In Jordan

* Saad Mohammed Juma Al-Ayoubi (1916–1979) 17th Prime Minister of Jordan and Minister of the Royal Hashemite Court.
* Muhammad Attallah Effendi Al-Ayoubi, Kaymakam of Al-Salt 1909.

### In Saudi Arabia

* Dr. Muhammad Zuhair Al-Ayoubi, was a member of the national union of the new born United Arab Republic. In 1964 he left Syria to Saudi Arabia where he was a co-founder of the Riyadh Radio and TV Stations and served as its director. For his services King Faisal of Saudi Arabia granted him and his family Saudi citizenship.

### In Syria

* Ata Bey al-Ayoubi (1877–1951). 7th President of Syria.
* Major General Shukri Pasha Al-Ayoubi (1851–1922) fought in WWI and was appointed governor of Damascus, Beirut and Aleppo.
* Raouf Al Ayoubi (1883–1947). A notable Freemason and a senior official in the Ottoman Empire.
* Mahmoud Al-Ayoubi (1932–2013), 57th Prime Minister of Syria and former Vice President of Syria under Hafez al-Assad.
* Ziyad al-Din al-Ayoubi, Minister of Endowments.
* Hamo Agha Al-Ayoubi, Landlord, dignitaries, and a donor who owned large areas of agricultural land specifically in the District of Wadi Barada.
* Muhammad Hasan Al-Ayoubi, a combatant in the Great Syrian Revolt.
* Muhammad Ali Al-Ayoubi was a prominent Damascene socialite and merchant known for hosting significant political meetings and weekly discussions with government figures at his residence.
List of Monarchs
* Saladin 1169–1193.
* Al-Aziz 1193–1198.
* Al-Mansur 1198–1200.
* Al-Adil I 1200–1218.
* Al-Kamil 1218–1238.
* Al-Adil II 1238–1240.
* As-Salih Ayyub 1240–1249.
* Turanshah 1249–1250.
* Al-Ashraf Musa (nominal rule, under Mamluk sultan Aybak), 1250–1254.

## Noteworthy

* Khatun Sitt al-Sham, sister of Saladin, founded many schools and hospitals in Damascus and had a profound interest in literature and culture, honoring writers. Ibn Khallikan described her deeds, saying, "She gave us lessons in mercy." She died in 1220 and was buried in Al-Sahiba Madrasa in Damascus.
* Ismael Abulfeda Al-Ayoubi (1273–1331). was born in Damascus, Syria. He was a geographer and historian who later became the governor of Hama. The crater Abulfeda on the Moon is named after him.

## Historical monuments

* Citadel of Damascus in Damascus.
* Mausoleum of Saladin in Damascus.
* Citadel of Saladin near Lattia.
* Citadel of Saladin in Cairo.
* Statue of Saladin near the Citadel of Damascus.
* Mausoleum of Imam al-Shafi'i in Cairo.
* Ajloun Castle in Ajloun, Jordan.
* Minbar of Saladin currently in the Islamic Museum of Jerusalem.
* Al-Shamiyah al-Kubra Madrasa in Damascus.
* Al-Sahiba Madrasa in Damascus.
* A crown which was presented by His Imperial Majesty, Emperor of Germany, Wilhelm II in 1898 at the Mausoleum of Saladin in Damascus, later stolen by Lawrence of Arabia.