The term "ghazi" signifies a hero in the Islamic world, usually one who is honored for his success as a warrior. However, it was also adopted as an official title by rulers from some of the great Muslim empires, including the Mughal Empire in India and the Ottoman Turks.  Its cultural connotation is roughly similar to the word "knight" in the Christian tradition.

In Arabic, the word "ghazi" is the noun form of the verb gazw, meaning a raid, which itself is derived from ghazwa or "battle." Thus, a ghazi literally is a person who carries out raids or fights in battles.


However, as an honorific title, it was bestowed on only the most successful raiders or warriors.

Historic leaders who used the title of Ghazi included Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey, and Saladin, who defeated Richard the Lionheart in the Third Crusade and recaptured Jerusalem.