I am a specialist in historical studies with a particular focus on the Middle East and its rich tapestry of cultures and empires. It's a pleasure to engage in discussions that explore the historical roots of nations and their formation.

The question of who founded Syria is complex and multifaceted, as the region that is now known as Syria has been inhabited and governed by a myriad of civilizations throughout history. To provide a comprehensive answer, it's important to recognize that the concept of a nation-state as we understand it today did not exist in the same form in ancient times. Instead, the land was part of various empires and kingdoms.

The earliest recorded history of the region dates back to the ancient Sumerians and Akkadians, who referred to the area as "Subartu" or "Subari." However, the name "Syria" itself is derived from the Greek "Syria" and the Latin "Syria," which was used to describe the eastern Mediterranean lands. The term became more widely used during the Hellenistic period following the conquests of Alexander the Great.

Throughout its history, Syria has been under the rule of several empires, including the Egyptian, Hittite, Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Arab. The region was also influenced by various religious movements, such as Christianity and Islam, which have shaped its cultural and religious landscape.

The reference to the Seljuk Turks and their conquest of the region in the late 11th century is an important part of Syria's history. The Seljuks were a nomadic Turkic people who established a significant empire that spanned from Central Asia to the eastern Mediterranean. Their rule in Syria was marked by a period of cultural and military development.

Following the Seljuks, the region was indeed conquered by Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub, commonly known as Saladin, who was the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty. Saladin is a pivotal figure in Middle Eastern history, known for his military prowess and his role in the Crusades. His conquest of Syria in the late 12th century marked a significant shift in the region's political landscape, as it brought an end to the Crusader states and reestablished Muslim control over Jerusalem.

However, to speak of a "founding" of Syria as a nation in the modern sense would be anachronistic. The concept of a unified Syrian state with its current borders is a relatively recent development, largely a result of the aftermath of World War I and the subsequent mandates and treaties that shaped the modern Middle East.

In conclusion, while it is not accurate to attribute the founding of Syria to a single individual or event, the region's history is a rich and complex tapestry of various civilizations, empires, and cultural movements. The land has been shaped by countless influences, and its history is a testament to the enduring legacy of the many peoples who have called it home.

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Syria was then conquered by the Seljuk Turks (1084-1086). After a century of Seljuk rule, Syria was conquered (1175-1185) by Saladin, founder of the Ayyubid dynasty of Egypt.read more >>