Reuven Amitai
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- October 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780300109009
- eISBN:
- 9780300134858
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300109009.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, Military History
From the early ninth century to the first decades of the nineteenth, military slavery was typically the primary form of military organization in regions such as Egypt, India, and the edges of Central ...
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From the early ninth century to the first decades of the nineteenth, military slavery was typically the primary form of military organization in regions such as Egypt, India, and the edges of Central Asia. Military slaves—also called ghulāms or mamlūks—were often the predominant element of a Muslim army and occasionally exploited their prowess and importance to achieve political influence. This chapter examines the origins of military slavery in the Islamic world and its eventual disappearance within the framework of general histories of medieval and early modern Islam. In particular, it looks at the role often played by military slaves, mostly Turks, in the history of the Middle East spanning some 1,000 years. It also considers the origins of the institution in the 'Abbāsid Caliphate of the early ninth century as well as the so-called Mamlūk Sultanate that ruled Egypt and Syria from the mid-thirteenth century until the time of the Ottoman Empire in 1516–1517.Less
From the early ninth century to the first decades of the nineteenth, military slavery was typically the primary form of military organization in regions such as Egypt, India, and the edges of Central Asia. Military slaves—also called ghulāms or mamlūks—were often the predominant element of a Muslim army and occasionally exploited their prowess and importance to achieve political influence. This chapter examines the origins of military slavery in the Islamic world and its eventual disappearance within the framework of general histories of medieval and early modern Islam. In particular, it looks at the role often played by military slaves, mostly Turks, in the history of the Middle East spanning some 1,000 years. It also considers the origins of the institution in the 'Abbāsid Caliphate of the early ninth century as well as the so-called Mamlūk Sultanate that ruled Egypt and Syria from the mid-thirteenth century until the time of the Ottoman Empire in 1516–1517.
Amina Elbendary
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9789774167171
- eISBN:
- 9781617976773
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774167171.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, Middle East History
This chapter examines the transformations in the state structure and organization of power that occurred in Egypt and Syria in the late Mamluk period. It considers the various economic and political ...
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This chapter examines the transformations in the state structure and organization of power that occurred in Egypt and Syria in the late Mamluk period. It considers the various economic and political challenges that the Mamluk sultanate faced and the ways that the rulers dealt with them, including the recurrent waves of plague, gold shortage, and currency devaluation. It shows that the responses of the Mamluk sultans to these economic crises and challenges resulted in long-term transformations that changed the nature of the state and of the Mamluk institutions. Many of these responses have been viewed as deviations from the proper norm of rule and governance, as signs of the corruption and greed of the amirs and administrators, and as causes for the “decline” of the Mamluk state. In particular, the chapter looks at the policies adopted by Mamluk sultans and the Mamluk administration to address the economic challenges, such as trade monopolies and additional taxation.Less
This chapter examines the transformations in the state structure and organization of power that occurred in Egypt and Syria in the late Mamluk period. It considers the various economic and political challenges that the Mamluk sultanate faced and the ways that the rulers dealt with them, including the recurrent waves of plague, gold shortage, and currency devaluation. It shows that the responses of the Mamluk sultans to these economic crises and challenges resulted in long-term transformations that changed the nature of the state and of the Mamluk institutions. Many of these responses have been viewed as deviations from the proper norm of rule and governance, as signs of the corruption and greed of the amirs and administrators, and as causes for the “decline” of the Mamluk state. In particular, the chapter looks at the policies adopted by Mamluk sultans and the Mamluk administration to address the economic challenges, such as trade monopolies and additional taxation.
Amina Elbendary
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9789774167171
- eISBN:
- 9781617976773
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774167171.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, Middle East History
This chapter examines the social transformations that arose in the Mamluk sultanate during the fifteenth century that allowed room for social mobility. It begins with a discussion of population and ...
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This chapter examines the social transformations that arose in the Mamluk sultanate during the fifteenth century that allowed room for social mobility. It begins with a discussion of population and demographic changes across the landscape of Egypt in particular, and to some extent Syria. It then considers the rise of the Bedouins and Bedouinization during the Mamluk period, with particular emphasis on the Bedouin tribes' increasing authority in many areas of the countryside and their impact on both peasant communities and urban life. It also explores the move of different racial groups from the peripheries of society closer to the core, including the habashis. Finally, it explores other social changes during the period, such as the emergence of a new landowning class and a new type of social integration, the spread of Islam, and an increase in social mobility. The chapter shows that all of these changes caused social anxiety and tension throughout the Mamluk sultanate, acutely reflected in frequent protests, especially on the streets of important cities.Less
This chapter examines the social transformations that arose in the Mamluk sultanate during the fifteenth century that allowed room for social mobility. It begins with a discussion of population and demographic changes across the landscape of Egypt in particular, and to some extent Syria. It then considers the rise of the Bedouins and Bedouinization during the Mamluk period, with particular emphasis on the Bedouin tribes' increasing authority in many areas of the countryside and their impact on both peasant communities and urban life. It also explores the move of different racial groups from the peripheries of society closer to the core, including the habashis. Finally, it explores other social changes during the period, such as the emergence of a new landowning class and a new type of social integration, the spread of Islam, and an increase in social mobility. The chapter shows that all of these changes caused social anxiety and tension throughout the Mamluk sultanate, acutely reflected in frequent protests, especially on the streets of important cities.
Amina Elbendary
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9789774167171
- eISBN:
- 9781617976773
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774167171.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Middle East History
During the fifteenth century, the Mamluk sultanate that had ruled Egypt and Syria since 1249–50 faced a series of sustained economic and political challenges to its rule, from the effects of ...
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During the fifteenth century, the Mamluk sultanate that had ruled Egypt and Syria since 1249–50 faced a series of sustained economic and political challenges to its rule, from the effects of recurrent plagues to changes in international trade routes. Both these challenges and the policies and behaviors of rulers and subjects in response to them left profound impressions on Mamluk state and society, precipitating a degree of social mobility and resulting in new forms of cultural expression. These transformations were also reflected in the frequent reports of protests during this period, and led to a greater diffusion of power and the opening up of spaces for political participation by Mamluk subjects and negotiations of power between ruler and ruled. This book places the protests within the framework of long-term transformations, arguing for a more nuanced and comprehensive narrative of Mamluk state and society in late medieval Egypt and Syria. Reports of urban protest and the ways in which alliances between different groups in Mamluk society were forged allow us glimpses into how some medieval Arab societies negotiated power, showing that rather than stoically endure autocratic governments, populations often resisted and renegotiated their positions in response to threats to their interests. This book will appeal to specialists in Mamluk history, Islamic studies, and Arab history, as well as to students and scholars of Middle East politics and government and modern history.Less
During the fifteenth century, the Mamluk sultanate that had ruled Egypt and Syria since 1249–50 faced a series of sustained economic and political challenges to its rule, from the effects of recurrent plagues to changes in international trade routes. Both these challenges and the policies and behaviors of rulers and subjects in response to them left profound impressions on Mamluk state and society, precipitating a degree of social mobility and resulting in new forms of cultural expression. These transformations were also reflected in the frequent reports of protests during this period, and led to a greater diffusion of power and the opening up of spaces for political participation by Mamluk subjects and negotiations of power between ruler and ruled. This book places the protests within the framework of long-term transformations, arguing for a more nuanced and comprehensive narrative of Mamluk state and society in late medieval Egypt and Syria. Reports of urban protest and the ways in which alliances between different groups in Mamluk society were forged allow us glimpses into how some medieval Arab societies negotiated power, showing that rather than stoically endure autocratic governments, populations often resisted and renegotiated their positions in response to threats to their interests. This book will appeal to specialists in Mamluk history, Islamic studies, and Arab history, as well as to students and scholars of Middle East politics and government and modern history.
Amina Elbendary
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9789774167171
- eISBN:
- 9781617976773
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774167171.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, Middle East History
This book has interpreted the history of late Mamluk Egypt and Syria “from below,” taking into account the historical experiences of the common people, especially the urban non-elites, in elucidating ...
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This book has interpreted the history of late Mamluk Egypt and Syria “from below,” taking into account the historical experiences of the common people, especially the urban non-elites, in elucidating both the social history and political history of the time. It has identified the range of factors that combined to make Mamluk power more diffused in the late fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. It has described the broad transformations that affected the economic structure of the Mamluk sultanate, the Mamluk culture and society, and the relations between rulers and ruled. This chapter offers general conclusions on the transformations that occurred in Egypt and Syria during the fifteenth century and emphasizes the importance of studying urban protest in the premodern period. It shows that protest is very much alive on the streets of various Arab cities, including those of Egypt and Syria.Less
This book has interpreted the history of late Mamluk Egypt and Syria “from below,” taking into account the historical experiences of the common people, especially the urban non-elites, in elucidating both the social history and political history of the time. It has identified the range of factors that combined to make Mamluk power more diffused in the late fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. It has described the broad transformations that affected the economic structure of the Mamluk sultanate, the Mamluk culture and society, and the relations between rulers and ruled. This chapter offers general conclusions on the transformations that occurred in Egypt and Syria during the fifteenth century and emphasizes the importance of studying urban protest in the premodern period. It shows that protest is very much alive on the streets of various Arab cities, including those of Egypt and Syria.
Amina Elbendary
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9789774167171
- eISBN:
- 9781617976773
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774167171.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, Middle East History
This book examines the economic, social, and political transformations that confronted the Mamluk sultanate over the fifteenth century, along with their impact on the Egyptian and Syrian societies. ...
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This book examines the economic, social, and political transformations that confronted the Mamluk sultanate over the fifteenth century, along with their impact on the Egyptian and Syrian societies. It argues that the multiple crises were simultaneously the outward manifestations of deeper changes and shows how they presented opportunities for various political and social groups. It also considers how the crises and political transformations led to changes and were themselves the outcome of changes in all of the domestic, regional, and international balances of power. Rather than narrate the history of this tumultuous fifteenth century solely from the point of view of the ruling dynasties, the book takes into account the perspectives of the common people, especially the urban non-elites. It considers how the transformations that rocked the Mamluk dynasty affected issues such as social mobility and concludes by discussing the development of the bourgeois trend as well as the various instances and reports of popular protest during the period.Less
This book examines the economic, social, and political transformations that confronted the Mamluk sultanate over the fifteenth century, along with their impact on the Egyptian and Syrian societies. It argues that the multiple crises were simultaneously the outward manifestations of deeper changes and shows how they presented opportunities for various political and social groups. It also considers how the crises and political transformations led to changes and were themselves the outcome of changes in all of the domestic, regional, and international balances of power. Rather than narrate the history of this tumultuous fifteenth century solely from the point of view of the ruling dynasties, the book takes into account the perspectives of the common people, especially the urban non-elites. It considers how the transformations that rocked the Mamluk dynasty affected issues such as social mobility and concludes by discussing the development of the bourgeois trend as well as the various instances and reports of popular protest during the period.
Jonathan Harris, Catherine Holmes, and Eugenia Russell (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- April 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199641888
- eISBN:
- 9780191808357
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199641888.001.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Asian and Middle Eastern History: BCE to 500CE
The late medieval eastern Mediterranean, before its incorporation into the Ottoman Empire in the sixteenth century, presents a complex and fragmented picture. The Ayyubid and Mamluk sultanates held ...
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The late medieval eastern Mediterranean, before its incorporation into the Ottoman Empire in the sixteenth century, presents a complex and fragmented picture. The Ayyubid and Mamluk sultanates held sway over Egypt and Syria, Asia Minor was divided between a number of Turkish emirates, the Aegean between a host of small Latin states, and the Byzantine Empire was only a fragment of its former size. This book seeks to find common themes that unite this disparate world. Focusing on religious identity, cultural exchange, commercial networks, and the construction of political legitimacy among Christians and Muslims in the late medieval eastern Mediterranean, the chapters discuss and analyse the interaction between these religious cultures and trace processes of change and development within the individual societies. An introduction provides a broad geopolitical context to the contributions and discusses at length the broad themes which unite the chapters and which transcend traditional interpretations of the eastern Mediterranean in the later medieval period.Less
The late medieval eastern Mediterranean, before its incorporation into the Ottoman Empire in the sixteenth century, presents a complex and fragmented picture. The Ayyubid and Mamluk sultanates held sway over Egypt and Syria, Asia Minor was divided between a number of Turkish emirates, the Aegean between a host of small Latin states, and the Byzantine Empire was only a fragment of its former size. This book seeks to find common themes that unite this disparate world. Focusing on religious identity, cultural exchange, commercial networks, and the construction of political legitimacy among Christians and Muslims in the late medieval eastern Mediterranean, the chapters discuss and analyse the interaction between these religious cultures and trace processes of change and development within the individual societies. An introduction provides a broad geopolitical context to the contributions and discusses at length the broad themes which unite the chapters and which transcend traditional interpretations of the eastern Mediterranean in the later medieval period.
