Mamluk Collection (page 4)

Syria. Hama. General view and the noria in the Orontes river

Mamluk woman smoking a long tobacco pipe.. Handcolored lithograph from Friedrich Wilhelm Goedsches Complete Gallery of Peoples in True Pictures, Meissen, circa 1835-1840

Egyptian farmers (fallah), Bedouin and Mamluk cavalry.. Handcolored lithograph from Friedrich Wilhelm Goedsches Complete Gallery of Peoples in True Pictures, Meissen, circa 1835-1840

EGYPT: CAIRO, 1908. Picturesque tombs of the Mamelukes (Rulers of Egypt 13th to 16th century A)
EGYPT: CAIRO, 1908. Picturesque tombs of the Mamelukes (Rulers of Egypt 13th to 16th century A.D.) Cairo, Egypt. Stereograph, 1908

GOYA: SECOND OF MAY 1808. The Second of May 1808 (The Charge of the Mamelukes). Mamluks of the French Imperial Guard attack a crowd of civilians on Calle de Alcala, Madrid, Spain

Jerusalem, cloud on an old arch
The Walls of Jerusalem which surround the Old City, were rebuilt in 1535 by Suleiman the Magnificent, sultan of the Ottoman empire

Jerusalem, the citadel
The Walls of Jerusalem which surround the Old City, were rebuilt in 1535 by Suleiman the Magnificent, sultan of the Ottoman empire

The walls of Jerusalem, architectural detail
The Walls of Jerusalem which surround the Old City, were rebuilt in 1535 by Suleiman the Magnificent, sultan of the Ottoman empire

Iron helmet with calligraphic silver damascening decoration. Turkish (Mamluk) 15th century

Ali Bey (1728-1773). Mamluk sultan from 1760-1772. Engraving

Jordan, Amman. Bronze cannon, Mamluk Period, 13th Century AD, National Archeological Museum

TUMAN BAY II (d. 1517). Al-Ashraf Tuman Bay II. Mamluk Sultan of Egypt. Line engraving, 1603

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The Mamluks were a powerful military caste that emerged in the Middle East during the medieval period. Their origins can be traced back to Sultan Selim I's conquest of Egypt, where he defeated the ruling Mamluk dynasty and established Ottoman control over the region. One of their most iconic roles was serving as the Imperial Guard, protecting and advising various rulers. A coloured engraving from the early 19th century depicts these elite warriors in all their splendor. Their influence extended beyond Egypt, as seen in a captivating scene depicting the reception of Venetian ambassadors in Damascus in 1511. The Mamluks' presence showcased their dominance and authority throughout different territories. The Battle of Ain is another significant event associated with them. An engraving from 1785 portrays this fierce clash between Joshua's army and its subsequent destruction. This battle highlights both their military prowess and strategic importance. Perhaps one of their most well-known encounters was at the Battle of the Pyramids on June 21, 1798. Artist Francois Georgin captured this historic moment around 1835, showcasing Napoleon Bonaparte's triumph over the Mamluks near Cairo. Their impact also left architectural marvels behind, such as Madrasa Al-Zahiriyya in Damascus dating back to the 13th century. This educational institution stands as a testament to their patronage for knowledge and culture. Visual representations often depict Mamluk warriors alongside Egyptian chieftains adorned with turbans and robes, symbolizing unity amidst diversity within their ranks. A pen & ink drawing showcases a dismounted Mamluk warrior, highlighting his individual strength while emphasizing his role beyond horseback combat. However formidable they may have been, even great powers faced defeat against them. George Cruikshank's hand-coloured engraving illustrates Napoleon's victory over these valiant fighters at The Battle of Pyramids near Cairo in 1823.