The Būrids were a dynasty of Turkish origin that ruled Damascus and southern Syria from 497/1104 to 549/1154, struggling to maintain its autonomy from the Franks, the Zangids, and the Nizārī Ismāʿīlīs (Assassins). The founder of the dynasty, Ẓāhir al-Dīn Ṭughtakīn (Tughtigīn, r. 497-522/1104-28), who was atābeg (guardian-tutor) of Shams al-Mulūk Duqāq, the son of the Saljūq sultan Tutush I (r. 471-88/1078-95), became full master of Damascus after the deaths of Duqāq and his son Tutush II. He captured