The Arabization of the Knights Templar during the Crusades, 1119-1314

"The military orders, especially the first, the Order of the Poor Knights of the Temple of Solomon (Knights Templar) played a critical role in the preservation of the Crusader kingdoms in Palestine between 1119 and their fall in 1291. It is generally acknowledged that part of the Templars' success, in both Palestine and Spain, stemmed from their ability to deal with the Muslim enemy in a variety of situations. This naturally involved some assimilation of the Templars into the local culture during the 12th and 13th centuries. (...) 

The Templars' arabization appears to have been an adaptive mechanism. There is apparently no more tolerance toward Islam inherent in the Order's structure than in other medieval Christian institutions. Under the right conditions, Templars could be as intolerant as any other Christian group of the era.

The Templars came under severe criticism during this period for their real, and perceived arabization. Their perceived arabization was, in fact, much greater than their real assimilation. It was this perception which brought about their eventual downfall. (...) Philip's lawyers capitalized on European prejudices against Muslims, and a critical atmosphere toward the military orders, to destroy the Templars."

This blog quotes from the abstract of Stiles, Paula Regina, "BETWEEN TWO FAITHS: THE ARABIZATION OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DURING THE CRUSADES" (1999). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 1805. The illustration shows a 17th century CE painting by Jan Lievens of Saladin, Sultan of Egypt and Syria (r. 1174-1193 CE) and the French nobleman and king of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, Guy of Lusignan (r. 1186-1192 CE), enemies during the siege of Acre from 1189-1191 CE during the Third Crusade, source (Public Domain)

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