Mamluk diplomacy

The Mamluk sultanate that ruled in Egypt, Syria, parts of Anatolia, and seasonally over the Hijaz from 1250 until 1517, represents one of the best case studies for an inquiry into premodern Islamic diplomacy. The position of the sultanate, at the junction of two worlds (i.e., ancient and modern) and different traditions (Islamic, Asiatic, and European), makes it a particularly relevant case. This can be seen through the practice of diplomacy as established from the capital, Cairo. Because of the importance of the sultans on the political, economic, military, cultural, and religious scenes, Cairo received, on a daily basis, many foreign embassies aiming to discuss diverse matters with the sultans. The description we have of those receptions shows the richness of Mamluk diplomatic display and ceremonial.

ISBN:978-1-118-88791-2

Publication year:2018