Saladin (1138–1193) is perhaps the most famous and revered character in the Muslim world, a cult and legendary figure. He appeared on the historical stage at a critical moment for the Middle East, when Muslims and alien Christians - crusaders from Western Europe - fought for dominion. A minor Kurdish military leader, Saladin became the ruler of Egypt, Damascus, Mosul, Aleppo, uniting the hitherto fragmented Islamic Middle East under his rule. He started a war against the crusaders, recaptured the holy city of Jerusalem from them and fought with valor with the bravest knight of the West - the English king Richard the Lionheart. Surprisingly, Saladin enjoyed extraordinary authority and respect not only among his subjects, but also among his most implacable enemies - the crusaders. He was praised equally by Muslim poets and Christian chroniclers. What explains this unusual veneration of Saladin? The French author Albert Chamdor, who dedicated his book to the history of the warlike Sultan, will answer this and other questions.