After the Mongol conquests, control of the Islamic world was fragmented, with various powers vying for dominance; however, the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt emerged as a significant force, particularly after defeating the Mongols at the Battle of Ain Jalut in 1260.
The Fragmentation of Power
The Mongol invasions of the 13th century devastated much of the Islamic world, leading to the collapse of existing caliphates and sultanates. This created a power vacuum that different groups and dynasties sought to fill. Key players included:
- The Ilkhanate: A Mongol successor state that controlled Persia and surrounding territories. While initially hostile, some Ilkhanate rulers eventually converted to Islam.
- The Golden Horde: Another Mongol successor state that ruled over parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including regions with Muslim populations.
- The Delhi Sultanate: A powerful sultanate in India that expanded its influence over large parts of the Indian subcontinent, including regions with significant Muslim populations.
- Various Turkic and Persian Dynasties: Numerous smaller dynasties and warlords emerged in the power vacuum, often vying for control of local regions.
The Rise of the Mamluks
Amidst this fragmentation, the Mamluk Sultanate in Egypt distinguished itself. Mamluks were slave soldiers, primarily of Turkic, Circassian, and Kipchak origin, who rose through the ranks to become powerful rulers.
- Defeat of the Mongols: A pivotal moment was the Mamluk victory against the Mongols at the Battle of Ain Jalut in 1260. This victory halted the Mongol advance into Egypt and Syria and established the Mamluks as a major power.
- Political and Religious Authority: The Mamluks provided refuge for members of the Abbasid Caliphate after the Mongol sack of Baghdad. They installed an Abbasid caliph in Cairo, providing a semblance of religious legitimacy to their rule. This gave the Mamluks a symbolic role as protectors of Islam. The ʿAbbāsid line continued until 1517 when the Ottomans conquered Egypt.
- Baybars I: The Mamluk sultan Baybars I was instrumental in consolidating Mamluk power and inviting an Abbasid to reside in Cairo.
Other Contenders and Regional Powers
While the Mamluks held considerable sway, they were not the sole power in the Islamic world. Other notable contenders included:
- The Ottoman Empire: Gradually rose to prominence, eventually eclipsing the Mamluks and other powers. The Ottomans finally conquered the Mamluk Sultanate in 1517.
- The Timurid Empire: Founded by Timur (Tamerlane), briefly dominated large parts of Persia and Central Asia in the late 14th and early 15th centuries.
Conclusion
In the aftermath of the Mongol conquests, no single entity controlled the entire Islamic world. However, the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt emerged as a prominent power, especially after their victory over the Mongols at Ain Jalut and their patronage of the Abbasid Caliphate in Cairo. This, combined with strategic alliances and trade networks, allowed them to exert significant influence until the rise of the Ottoman Empire.
