Reason why Muslims lost

Question 1

Disunity among Muslim rulers of Fatimids, Seljuks of rum and great Seljuks

Answer 1

• the region was fragmented into many independent states
• each with its own agenda and conflicting interests
• this disunity prevented them from mounting a coordinated defence
• absence of central leadership and presence of internal rivalries weakened the Muslim resistance

Question 2

Seljuk Turk invasions

Answer 2

• 1071/96
• these invasions destabilised the region and diverted the attention and resources of Muslim rulers
• Seljuk Turks posed threat to Muslim states and their focus on defending their territories against the Seljuk invasions weakened their ability to effectively counter the Crusader forces

Question 3

Lack of centralised command

Answer 3

• unlike the Crusaders who had effective leadership from Pope Urban II and prominent leaders, the Muslims lacked this
• the absence of a strong and unified leadership hindered their ability to coordinate their forces and mount an effective defence
• this played a significant role in their defeat