The Mamluks: Slave Warriors of Medieval Islam

The Mamluks were slaves in Egypt who became soldiers and rose to power, ruling over Egypt and Syria for over two centuries. They saved the region from devastation by the Mongols and expelled the last of the Crusaders from the Holy Land. They were a powerful military class until modern times, fighting Napoleon in 1798 and possibly until the later nineteenth century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2023
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

From humble beginnings as enslaved individuals in Egypt, the Mamluks underwent a remarkable transformation, undergoing rigorous military training to ascend to the highest echelons of power and seize control of the largest empire in Islam. Their rule extended over Egypt and Syria for over two centuries, leaving an indelible mark on the region's history. Notably, the Mamluks played a crucial role in safeguarding the region from the devastation caused by the Mongols and expelling the last of the Crusaders from the Holy Land. During their reign, the Mamluks witnessed the flourishing of medieval Islam, a period characterized by significant scientific and artistic achievements. While the first Mamluks were predominantly Turks, chosen for their reputed toughness and fighting prowess, their training under the tibaq system transformed them into formidable warriors. The fusion of the harsh nomadic tribesman and the well-trained knight created a unique military class known as Mamluks. The conquest by the Ottomans in 1517 may have marked the end of the Mamluke Sultanate, but the Mamluks themselves continued to wield considerable influence as a powerful military class until the modern era. They even played a significant role in the Napoleonic invasion of Egypt in 1798, standing up to the French forces. The purported end of the Mamluk era in 1811 was marked by a bloody struggle, but there is evidence to suggest that they may have persisted even longer, possibly until the later nineteenth century. The legacy of the Mamluks remains a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and profound impact on the history of the Middle East.

Weight: 618g
Dimension: 243 x 164 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398107342