The Shining History of the Atabeg State in Mosul

Author: Ali ibn Abi al-Karam (known as Ibn al-Athir)

This book, dedicated by its author Abu al-Hasan Ibn al-Athir al-Jazari, aims to highlight the biography of the House of Sunqur the Seljuks and praise their honorable Islamic stances and their wars with the Byzantines during a period of the Abbasid era (between 477-607 AH). He drew most of his information from his father, Abu al-Karam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Karim, known as al-Athir. He chronicled their prominent figures, including viziers and commanders, praising their efforts and virtues, and specifically mentioning the House of Zangi, who founded the Zangid state. Ibn al-Athir excelled in describing their wars with the Byzantines, the conquest of their castles, and the successive fall of their fortresses. His description was characterized by an eloquent style and magnificent, powerful expressions. In some parts of his book "Al-Kamil," he referred to his book "Al-Bahir," and similarly, from "Al-Bahir" to "Al-Kamil." Thus, "Al-Bahir" served as an excellent companion for amending and completing what was between them, clarifying what he mentioned about them in "Al-Kamil," and expanding on their stories.