A civil war had broken out in the Seljuq western territories at the death of sultan Mahmud II in 1131.

Zengi had been recalled to the East by certain rebel members, stimulated by the Caliph and Dubais.

Defeated, Zengi had fled.

The Caliph al-Mustarshid had pursued him to Mosul, and besieged him there but without success for three months.

It had nonetheless been a milestone in the revival of the military power of the caliphate.

Zengi now resumes operations in Syria and in 1134 lays siege to Damascus, but is induced, partly by the bravery of the enemy, partly at the instance of the Caliph, to whom Zengi had made some concession in the public prayers, to relinquish the attempt.

Recalled again by troubles in the East, he will be unable to do much against the Crusaders until after al-Mustarshid's death.