Crusader

20-25

Authors: Iya Shiukashvili

This essay is a letter to the editorial office, the purpose of which is to present the issues for discussion among researchers that the author had when studying the article of the Orthodox priest Arseny (Ivashchenko) on the relationship between the Greek and Latin churches. Since the tasks facing modern historians in the multifaceted study of the crusades are relevant and constantly reveal new facets, we can assume that the work of the Orthodox abbot may be included in the historiography of the entrusted problem. However, in order to confirm this thesis, we decided to contact researchers directly through a publication in the journal “Crusader” and identify the issues and aspects that could help enhance or complement their scientific research. Let's note the blocks of issues that we would like to emerge for consideration among experts: the assessment and streamlining of Orthodox sources about the crusades and how this phenomenon was reflected in the worldview of the Greek clergy; the reaction and measures by the East Christian Church against Latins arriving in its lands during the crusade; what image of the crusader is recorded in the sources of the Greek clergy; how the moment of martyrdom and oppression of the Greeks during the crusades can be reflected in historiography, what was the scale of this phenomenon; why did the Greek church preserve its prevalence in the main part of the former Byzantine territories, not yielding to the Latins? We hope that the questions raised will find a response in the scientific environment and the theme of the crusades will be replenished with the new objective and historical works.

12-31

Authors: Sergey L. Dudarev

This paper examines the key characteristics of the process of emergence and development of the jihadist movement, which led to the ousting of the Crusaders from the Eastern Mediterranean. The author has identified four major stages in the development of the jihadist movement, as well as several sub-stages within some of them. The paper examines the key reasons behind the emergence of the jihadist movement, its key characteristics, and the role of several prominent historical figures in the cultivation of jihad, including major Middle Eastern figures such as Imad al-Din Zengi, Nur ad-Din, and Salah ad-Din. The author describes the key characteristics of the final stage of the jihad, including the role played in the process by the Mamluks (e.g., Baibars). The researcher discusses some of the key ideological, political, and other components of the Crusades-era jihadist movement. Based on a number of sources, the paper reveals that it is not straightaway that jihad became the banner of struggle against the European invaders. In fact, it took a lot of time before the leaders of the Muslim world could, using the available ideological clichés to launch a liberation struggle, work out a model of ideal jihadist behavior that would be based on the postulates of Islam and overcome the disunity between each other and political pragmatism. Yet, the author argues, based, inter alia, on conclusions drawn by earlier research, that one should not idealize particular leaders of jihadism, as these men were not indifferent to the pursuit of various local, contextual, or dynastic interests, which suggests there being more to the Muslim rulers’ actions than just ideology. Throughout history, jihad has been an effective medium for not just achieving one’s geopolitical objectives but also “playing the two off against each other” (e.g., Muslim activists against malcontents, never a small group in the Islamic East). Lastly, while being, at its core, a fair movement aimed at liberating the Eastern Mediterranean from the Crusader invaders, jihad incidentally facilitated the cultivation of enmity against regular, peaceful Christians who had nothing to do with the pursuit of expansionist objectives.

17-23

Authors: Merab Surguladze

The work examines the history of the emergence of knightly crusader orders, focuses on a number of controversial interpretations, including the appearance of the Holy Grail among the crusaders. The topic of the relationship of the Roman Church in the establishing of crusader orders is touched. The work reflects the theme of the military organization of military monastic and knightly crusader orders.

13-20

Authors: Sergey L. Dudarev

The article examines the crusades and integration processes in Europe in the period of XI–XIII centuries on the basis of Russian and foreign historiography. In conclusion, the author notes that the crusades, which initially were the “military-integrative expansion” of the Europeans, increasingly turned into a purely aggressive campaign, gradually losing the spiritual basis under the leadership of the papacy, which began the period of decline. Contemporaries of the crusades were skeptical about these military-religious expeditions. The Reformation of the XVI century put an end to the Christian republic of scientists, which Erasmus of Rotterdam dreamt of. There came a time when, along with the religious integration, purely political unions were also being formed, joined by the opponents who were difficult to be imagined together (for example Francis I and the head of the “true believers”, the Turkish sultan).

81-87

Authors: Timur M. Khusyainov

This article deals with the problems of Tripoli County coinage, created during the First Crusade. In particular, it considered the period from the beginning of the minting of the first coins, which began in 1109 after the capture of the fortress of Tripoli until the fall of the city under the onslaught of the army of the Egyptian Sultan al-Kilaun Alfie. The basis of this study was the analysis of images of copper, silver and gold coins of Tripoli County. Also, in this paper, it was used the studies of Russian and foreign authors – experts in the field of numismatics and history. As a result of the study it was observed borrowing and imitation in this period coins of other countries, especially France and Venice. Over time, the coin on the image underwent some changes.

95-100

Authors: Aleksandr A. Cherkasov

The material presents the evidence of collective visions in the period of the Crusades. It should be mentioned that such visions were visited the crusaders on the eve or during the momentous events, which include the active combat operations (battles, sieges). According to the chroniclers such visions inspired the Christian soldiers and often led to their victories even under the most adverse circumstances. The author used the historical-situational method, which involves the study of historical facts in the context of the period under review in conjunction with the "neighboring" events and facts. This method was applied to create a complete picture which had predetermined the possibility of a collective vision, for example in the battle of Antioch. The author concludes that collective visions in the history of the Crusades were permanent. The reason for this was a strong spiritual connection of the Crusader troops with the saints, thanks to the numerous stories about collective visions that are reflected in the narratives of the chroniclers.