What was the Ottoman Empire's relationship with the Mamluks?

History The Ottoman Empire Questions



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What was the Ottoman Empire's relationship with the Mamluks?

The Ottoman Empire had a complex relationship with the Mamluks. Initially, the Ottomans and Mamluks were rivals, as both empires sought to expand their territories and influence in the Middle East. However, in 1517, the Ottomans defeated the Mamluks in the Battle of Ridaniya and subsequently conquered Egypt, Syria, and Palestine, effectively ending the Mamluk Sultanate. After their defeat, some Mamluks were integrated into the Ottoman military and bureaucracy, while others were allowed to retain their positions of power in Egypt. The Ottomans also utilized the Mamluks' military skills and expertise in their own campaigns. Despite occasional tensions and power struggles, the Ottomans generally maintained control over the Mamluks and their territories until the decline of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century.