Bahri dynasty facts for kids

The Egyptian Mamluk Sultanate during the Bahri Dynasty.

The Bahri dynasty or Bahriyya Mamluks was a group of rulers, mostly from Cuman-Kipchak Turkic backgrounds. They ruled the Egyptian Mamluk Sultanate from 1250 to 1382. This dynasty came after the Ayyubid dynasty and was followed by another Mamluk dynasty called the Burji dynasty.

The name "Bahriyya" means 'of the river'. This name came from where they first settled. They lived on Al-Rodah Island in the Nile River (Nahr al-Nil) in Medieval Cairo. Their castle on Al-Rodah Island was built by the Ayyubid Sultan as-Salih Ayyub.

History of the Bahri Dynasty

The Mamluks built one of the most powerful and richest empires of their time. It lasted from 1250 to 1517. Their empire covered Egypt, North Africa, and the Levant (which is part of the Near East).

The End of the Bahri Rule

After a while, the leaders (sultans) changed very often. This caused a lot of problems and confusion in the different areas they ruled. Also, in 1349, a terrible sickness called the Black Death spread through Egypt and the Levant. Many people sadly died because of it.

In 1382, the last Bahri Sultan, Hajji II, was removed from power. A Circassian leader named Barquq took over the Sultanate. He was forced out in 1389 but came back to power in 1390. This started the next dynasty, the Burji dynasty.

How the Bahri Military Worked

The military during the Bahri dynasty had different parts.

• Mamluks: These were the main soldiers and the most important group. They were slave soldiers who were trained to be loyal fighters.
  • Khassaki: These were like special guards for the Sultan.
  • Royal Mamluks: These soldiers worked directly for the Sultan.
  • Regular Mamluks: These were usually assigned to local leaders called Amirs.
• Al-Halqa: These were professional soldiers who were born free. They also worked directly for the Sultan.
• Wafidiyya: These were Turks and Mongols who moved to the Mamluk lands after the Mongol invasions. They were given land if they agreed to serve in the military. They were known as very good fighters.
• Other groups: These included Bedouin tribes and sometimes groups of Turkomans and other settled Arabs. They also helped in the military when needed.

List of Bahri Sultans

Here is a list of the sultans who ruled during the Bahri dynasty:

After Sultan As-Saleh, the Burji dynasty took control of the Mamluk Sultanate. This happened under Sayf-ad-Din Barquq in 1389–90 C.E.

See also

Learn more about the Bahri Dynasty!

• In Spanish: Dinastía bahrí para niños