The Crusader Occupation of Al-Aqsa | Jerusalem, Templars and Saladin

When Crusaders Took Al-Aqsa — what actually happened to Jerusalem and the sacred Haram al-Sharif after the Crusader conquest of 1099? In this cinematic historical documentary, Daur-e-Mazi explores the Crusader occupation of Jerusalem from 1099 to 1187, the transformation of parts of the Haram al-Sharif complex, the rise of the Knights Templar, and the eventual return of Jerusalem under Salahuddin Ayyubi. On 15 July 1099, Crusader forces captured Jerusalem during the First Crusade. The conquest changed the political and religious landscape of the city and began a new chapter in the history of the Haram al-Sharif. Over the following decades, parts of the sacred complex were incorporated into the political, administrative and military structures of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem. The Al-Aqsa area became closely connected with royal and military activity, while the Temple Mount became associated with the early Knights Templar. But how much of the popular story about the Templars is actually supported by historical evidence? Were there really secret chambers and hidden treasures beneath the Temple Mount? Which claims come from historical evidence, and which developed through later traditions and legends? This documentary separates the documented history from later myths while exploring one of the most important periods in the history of Jerusalem. We will explore: • The historical importance of Jerusalem • The First Crusade and the road to Jerusalem • The Crusader conquest of Jerusalem in 1099 • What happened to the Haram al-Sharif after the conquest • The changing political and administrative use of the Al-Aqsa area • The emergence of the Knights Templar • The connection between the Templars and the Temple Mount • Crusader military and royal activity in Jerusalem • Underground and vaulted spaces beneath the Temple Mount • The legends of Templar treasure and secret chambers • What historical evidence actually tells us • The rise of Muslim resistance • Nur al-Din and the changing political landscape • Salahuddin Ayyubi and the struggle for Jerusalem • The Battle of Hattin in 1187 • The fall of Crusader control over Jerusalem • The surrender of Jerusalem to Salahuddin on 2 October 1187 • The restoration of Al-Aqsa and the Haram al-Sharif • What happened to the Templars after Jerusalem was lost • The lasting historical legacy of the Crusader period IMPORTANT HISTORICAL DATES: 1099 — Crusader capture of Jerusalem 4 July 1187 — Battle of Hattin 2 October 1187 — Jerusalem surrenders to Salahuddin This documentary uses cinematic historical reconstruction to visualize events from the medieval period. Reconstructed scenes are intended to illustrate the historical narrative and are not presented as original archival footage. Watch until the end to understand how the same sacred landscape was transformed by changing political powers — and how the events of 1099 and 1187 shaped the later history of Jerusalem. Subscribe to Daur-e-Mazi for cinematic documentaries about ancient civilizations, Islamic history, Jerusalem, archaeology, mysteries and the events that shaped human history. Daur-e-Mazi — Where History Comes Alive. #AlAqsa #Crusades #Jerusalem #KnightsTemplar #Saladin #SalahuddinAyyubi #BattleOfHattin #KingdomOfJerusalem #TempleMount #CrusaderHistory #MedievalHistory #IslamicHistory #JerusalemHistory #AlAqsaMosque #HistoryDocumentary #History #DaurEMazi #DaurEMazi