Video Lesson

Lesson Objectives

After learning this lesson, you will be able to:

• explain the factors that helped the Mamluks to assume power in Egypt;
• mention the main features of Mamluk rule;
• elucidate the factors that led to the end of Mamluk rule in Egypt.
• grasp the ways through which Islam reached to North Africa;
• explain about the roles of different religious movements to spread Islam in North Africa;
• appreciate the leadership qualities of individuals involved in the expansion of Islam.

Brainstorming Questions

• Who were the Mamluks originally?
•  How did the Mongol invasion of the Middle East assist the Mamluks to assume power?
• What is your previous knowledge about the Almoravids and the Almohads?
• How do you explain their role in spreading Islam in North Africa?

Key Terms

Mamluk Egypt

The Mamluks were a military aristocracy in Egypt from approximately 1250 to 1517, originally Turkish slaves introduced to Egypt in the late 12th century. The term “Mamluk” derives from Arabic, meaning “owned” or “slave.” Trained as soldiers, the Mamluks ascended to high military and governmental positions before seizing control of Egypt through a revolt. Their rise to power was precipitated by internal strife within the Ayyubid Sultanate, which ruled Egypt from 1170 until its collapse in 1250. This internal conflict among Ayyubid princes vying for the Sultanate led to the employment of mercenary soldiers, including the Mamluks, who eventually established their own rule in Egypt. One of the pivotal figures in organizing a Mamluk regiment within the Ayyubid dynasty was al-Malik al-Salih.

The rise of the Mamluks to power in Egypt was catalyzed by the Mongol invasion of the Middle East, which began with devastating raids into Syria and Palestine in 1244, including the massacre of Christians in Jerusalem. In response, Western Christian states launched the sixth Crusade, led by King Louis IX of France, targeting Egypt. During this invasion, Sultan al-Malik al-Salih was killed, but the Mamluks, who were originally mercenaries, fiercely resisted the crusaders and ultimately defeated them, capturing Louis IX. This victory solidified the Mamluks’ reputation and military prowess. In 1250, internal strife within the Ayyubid Sultanate led to the assassination of the Sultan, paving the way for the Mamluks to assume control of Egypt. Subsequently, the Mamluks faced a second Mongol invasion in the 1250s but successfully repelled it, further enhancing their stature as defenders of Islam and consolidating their grip on power in Egypt.

Under Mamluk rule in Egypt, which flourished economically and culturally, significant achievements in architecture, craftsmanship, and scholarship marked their era. They produced intricately decorated military strategy manuals and developed a keen interest in polo, seeing parallels between the game and military tactics. Economically, Mamluk Egypt thrived due to its pivotal role in the Trans-Saharan Trade. This trade brought Muslim pilgrims from West Africa carrying gold through Cairo on their journey to Mecca, contributing substantial revenue. Additionally, Egypt benefited from the Spice Trade, linking the Far East to the Mediterranean via the Red Sea. This economic prosperity bolstered the Mamluks’ military strength, enabling them to undertake expeditions southwards. In 1275, they conquered Nubia in present-day Sudan, converting its people to Islam and extending their influence into new territories.

By the dawn of the 15th century, the Mamluk rule in Egypt faced challenges from both the Mongols and the emerging Ottoman Turks. The Mongols initially sought to attack Egypt but were diverted by conflict with the Ottoman Turks, whom they defeated. This provided a temporary respite for the Mamluks. However, by the early 16th century, the Ottoman Turks renewed their ambitions towards Egypt. In 1516, they successfully conquered Egypt, ending approximately 260 years of direct Mamluk rule. The Ottoman Turks were motivated by strategic interests, particularly their rivalry with the Portuguese over control of the Red Sea and Indian Ocean trade routes. Following the Ottoman conquest, Egypt remained under Ottoman suzerainty from 1517 until the rise of Mohammed Ali in 1805, during which the Mamluks continued to govern Egypt under Ottoman authority.

The Spread of Islam to North Africa

The western half of North Africa where the present states of Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Mauritania are located is called the Maghreb, the name the Arabs gave to the region. The Almoravid movement began in the 11th century. They were nomads of the Maghreb region. The Lamtuna (nomadic Muslim and Berber tribe) began the Almoravid movement. Ibin Yasin and later Emir Yahiya of Morocco were the most popular leaders. The movement
called for a return to the primitive purity of Islam. In 1053 A.D, Ibin Yasin abdicated his power in favor of Yahiya to lead the Almoravid movement. In 1056 A.D, he died and was succeeded by his brother Abu Bakar. During its formative period (1042-1053 A.D), they sought to establish a political community in which the ethical and judicial principles of Islam were strictly applied. In 1062, Marrakesh was made the capital of the Almoravids
located in southern Morocco from where they had captured the entire territory of Morocco and western Algeria in the 1080s. By1106, the only Muslim state that had survived Almoravid conquest was Saragossa. In 1110 A.D, Saragossa succumbed to the Almorvids. Politically, the state was tribal where the Lamtuna exercised much power. In the middle of the 12th century, the Almohads replaced the power of the Almoravids for the following reasons; strict observance of Islam, Lamtuna lust for power, and internal rivalries. In addition to the role that they played in spreading Islam, the Almoravids developed the culture of the Maghreb region.

Another movement that played significant role in the spread of Islam into the Maghreb was the Almohad. Unlike the Almoravids, the Almohads were settled by Masmuda Berbers of the Atlas Mountains. Ibn Tumart was the founder of the Almohad religious reform movement. He was fundamentalist who opposed the custom of aristocratic unveiled Lamuta women and the use of musical instruments. For him, the Quran is the sole source of islamic life who strived to live like the prophet Mohammed. Initially a religious reformer, in 1124/’25 Tumart became a religious and political leader. In 1130, he died and was succeeded by Abdul Mu’min, who led the Almohad to victory over the Almoravids. He was the real founder of the Almohad Empire. In 1117, he invaded Morocco, deposed and then executed the last Almoravid king and controlled power. In 1050 they invaded Spain and in 1160, the whole of the Maghreb region. By the early 13th century, the power of the Almohad in Spain faded away owing to division among the Muslims and attack from Christian Europe. In 1269 A.D, Almohad rule in North Africa came to an end due to internal division and civil war.