Zangi

Zangi, also transliterated as Zengi, most commonly refers to Imad al-Din Zengi, a 12th-century Muslim ruler who founded the Zengid dynasty and held key emirates in northern Syria and Mesopotamia, notably Mosul and Aleppo. He rose to power in the 1120s and established a more centralized administration across his domains, uniting diverse Muslim-held territories under Zengid rule.

Zengi is best known for his campaigns against the Crusader states. He expanded his holdings through military and strategic governance, strengthening fortifications and integrating conquered regions. In 1144, he captured Edessa, an event that shocked the Latin Christian world and helped precipitate the Second Crusade. His successes against the Crusaders solidified Zengid influence in the Levant and northern Mesopotamia and laid the groundwork for later campaigns by his successors.

Zengi died in 1146, and his death led to succession struggles within the Zengid family. His son Nur ad-Din Muhammad, along with other relatives, continued to rule and to press campaigns against the Crusaders, further shaping the political landscape of Syria and northern Iraq. The Zengid dynasty remained a major regional power for several decades and influenced subsequent Muslim resistance efforts in the area, including the rise of Saladin.

In other contexts, the name Zangi/Zengi may appear as a surname or in place-names in different languages, separate from the historical figure.