In the previous article, I discussed the conflicts that led to a war between the Mongols and the “Khwarazmians,” and how the Mongols managed to control the region of “Transoxiana”, then the region of “Khorasan” and its cities, and their expansion westward during the reign of “Ögedei,” advancing towards areas in Western Asia after seizing control of numerous regions. Then came “Möngke Khan,” who aimed to eliminate the Ismailis and then expand. He entrusted this mission to his brother “Hulagu,” who eradicated the Ismailis, and then overthrew the Abbasid Caliphate after conquering “Baghdad.” Researchers state: “Then ‘Hulagu,’ Genghis Khan’s grandson, marched west towards Persia in February 1254 AD. He destroyed the strongholds of the BatiniIsmaili Shiites there, then annihilated the Abbasid Caliphate and all the provinces of Western Asia. Nothing remained before him except the Mamluk Sultanate in ‘Egypt’ and ‘the Levant’.”
The Mongols attacked “the Levant”; they managed to seize a number of cities, which spread terror throughout the region. King “Al-Nasir,” realizing the impossibility of standing alone against the Mongols, swiftly requested assistance from the Mamluks in “Egypt.” Sultan “Qutuz,” who understood the grave dangers facing the country, sent military reinforcements despite the poor relations between him and King “Al-Nasir.” In contrast, some Ayyubid princes decided to submit to the Mongols for fear of annihilation by the enemy. Among them was King “Al-Ashraf Musa,” a descendant of “Asad ad-Din Shirkuh.”
King “Al-Nasir” marched with his armies to fight the Mongols a short distance from “Damascus,” but most of his army dispersed from him. He decided to seek refuge in “Gaza” with what remained of his forces, leaving “Damascus” to his vizier, “Zayn al-Din al-Hafizi,” who surrendered the city to the Mongols in 658 AH (1260 AD). Then “Antioch” also surrendered. Thus, only “the Egyptian lands,” “the Hijaz,” and “Yemen” remained outside Mongol rule in the Near East.
“Hulagu” had sent a message to “Al-MuzaffarQutuz,” demanding his surrender, which read:
“From the King of Kings, East and West, the Great Khan, in the name of God, the Spreader of the Earth and the Raiser of the Sky. Let King ‘Al-MuzaffarQutuz,’ who is of the Mamluk race who fled from our swords to this region, enjoying its bounties, and thereafter killing those under his authority, know—let King ‘Al-MuzaffarQutuz,’ and all the princes of his state and the people of his kingdom, in the Egyptian lands and their surrounding areas, know that we are the soldiers of God on His earth, created from His wrath, and given dominion over those upon whom His anger has fallen. You have an example in all lands, and a deterrent in our resolve, so learn from others and surrender your affairs to us, before the cover is lifted, so you may regret and error returns upon you. For we do not pity those who weep, nor do we show compassion to those who complain. You have heard that we have conquered lands, purified the earth from corruption, and killed most of its inhabitants. So, flee, and we will pursue. What land will shelter you, what path will save you, and what countries will protect you? For there is no salvation from our swords, no escape from our awe. Our horses are swift, our arrows pierce, our swords strike like lightning, our hearts are like mountains, and our numbers are like sand. Fortresses cannot withstand us, and armies are useless in fighting us, and your prayers against us will not be heard. For you have consumed what is forbidden, you do not keep your word, you have betrayed covenants and oaths, and disobedience and rebellion have spread among you. So rejoice in humiliation and disgrace, for today you will be repaid with a humiliating torment for your arrogance on earth without right and for your transgressions. And those who have wronged will know what an overturn they will overturn. Whoever seeks our war will regret it, and whoever seeks our peace will be safe. If you obey our terms and our command, you will have what we have and bear what we bear; but if you disobey, you will perish. So do not destroy yourselves with your own hands. Indeed, he who warns has warned, and it has been established with you that we are the infidels, and it has been established with us that you are the wicked. And we have been given authority over you by one who has decreed matters and determined judgments. For your many are few to us, and your mighty are lowly to us, and there is no way for your kings with us but humiliation. So do not prolong your speech, and hasten to reply, before war ignites its fire, and throws its sparks towards you, so you find from us no status or glory, no protection or refuge, and you will be afflicted by us with the greatest calamity, and your lands will become empty of you. We have been just in corresponding with you, and we have warned you, so nothing remains for us but you. Peace be upon us and upon you, and upon whoever obeys guidance, fears the consequences of ruin, and obeys the Most High King.
Oh, tell Egypt, here comesHulagu
With drawn and sharp swords
The most honored among people will become humbled by us
And children will be joined with their elders.
“Qutuz” then gathered the princes to discuss the dangers facing the country…
And the conversation in “Beautiful Egypt” never ends!
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
العربية
