The discussion about the Mamluks began in the previous article, detailing how caliphs, princes, and senior state leaders eagerly purchased them from white slave markets. They became the military force that strengthened their influence, leading to an increase in the power and expanding influence of the Turkish Mamluks during the Abbasid era. They served as a pillar for both the Tulunid and then the Ikhshidid states in Egypt, and even held leadership positions and public offices under the Fatimids.
When the Ayyubid state was established, it relied heavily on the Kurds, the Asadi Mamluks, and the Salahi-Nasiri Mamluks. Ayyubidprinces formed their own special forces of Mamluks, which significantly increased the influence of the Turks in the country. They were instrumental in supporting Sultan Al-SalihNajm al-Din Ayyub to become the ruler of Egypt. He built a citadel where they resided, and they became known as the Bahri Mamluks of al-Salih. Thus, the first Mamluk era was called the Turkish Mamluks because most of them were white and spoke Turkish. They were also called the Bahri Mamluks because they lived in the Rawda Citadel overlooking the Nile. However, another opinion suggests: “It is most likely that they were called ‘Bahri’ because they came from beyond the seas, as it is stated in Joinville’s books that they are ‘called Bahri or men from beyond the sea.’ Joinville, who fought the Bahri Mamluks of al-Salih in Louis IX’s campaign, was captured by them, and spoke with them, and his account holds significant value as a contemporary and eyewitness.”
The Bahri Mamluk State (1250-1382 CE / 648-784 AH)
Historians hold differing views on Shajar al-Durr. Some consider her the first sultan of the Mamluk Sultanate because she was a former slave. Others, however, view her as the last ruler of Egypt from the Ayyubid sultans, given her marriage to Sultan al-SalihNajm al-Din Ayyub, who ruled Egypt from 1240 to 1249 CE (638-647 AH)
After al-SalihNajm al-Din Ayyub, Turan Shah ruled. He detested the Bahri Mamluks and threatened to kill them, which angered them, leading to his assassination in 1250 CE (648 AH). With his death, the Ayyubid era ended. The Mamluks then decided to appointShajar al-Durr as sultan in 1250 CE (648 AH). At the same time, Izz al-Din Aybak al-Turkmani was appointed to the position of Atabeg (military commander or governor). Shajar al-Durr eventually married Aybak and abdicated the throne to him after ruling Egypt for approximately three months.
Sultan Aybak al-Turkmani (1250-1257 CE / 648-655 A)
Sultan Aybak was given the title “Al-Muʿizz” “Izz al-Dīn al-Manṣūr”. It is noted that Aybak was not, in fact, the eldest of the Mamluk princes by age, nor the longest in service, nor the most powerful in standing and influence. This exceptional circumstance within the Mamluk hierarchy led some historians, such as “Abu al-Mahasin” in his book “Al-Nujum al-Zahira fi MulukMisrwa al-Qahira” (The Shining Stars in the Kings of Egypt and Cairo), to accuse Aybak of lacking power and authority, suggesting that the princes elected him only to depose him at will. However, others saw Aybak as a sultan distinguished by his political acumen, firmness, and courage.Aybak faced several challenges, including the Ayyubid threat from Ayyubid princes in Syria who sought an alliance with the Franks, offering to surrender Jerusalem to them. When Aybak learned of this, he threatened to kill the Frankish prisoners in Egypt if they participated in any wars against him. Aybak also showed readiness to amend the Treaty of Damietta and cede half the agreed ransom if King Louis IX of the Franks supported him in his war against the Ayyubids. However, Louis IX preferred to remain neutral between the two parties.
Thus, the Ayyubid army and the Mamluks clashed in the cities of Bilbays and al-Salihya. Initially, the Ayyubids were victorious, but a division of Aybak’s Mamluks joined forces with the other Mamluks, leading to the Ayyubids’ defeat and their retreat to Syria. The conflict between the two factions continued until the Abbasid Caliph al-Musta’sim intervened, and a peace treaty was concluded in 1253 CE (651 AH). It stipulated that Egypt and southern Palestine would be under theMamluk rule, while Syria would remain under the Ayyubid rule. During this time, the Mongol threat began to sweep across the lands, led by Genghis Khan.
In 1253 CE (651 AH), Sultan Aybak also faced a popular revolt ignited by the Arabs in Egypt, driven by both political and social reasons.
Stories in Beautiful Egypt are endless…
The General Bishop
President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
العربية
