Who or what were the Mamluks exactly?

The Mamluks were a class of military slaves who rose to power in various Islamic empires, particularly in Egypt and the Levant, during the medieval period. The term "Mamluk" translates to "owned" or "slave" in Arabic. Mamluks were typically of Turkic, Caucasian, or Circassian origin, often captured in childhood from regions such as Central Asia, the Caucasus, or the Balkans, and then trained and indoctrinated into Islam and military service.

Mamluks were highly trained and skilled warriors, often serving as elite cavalry soldiers in the armies of Muslim rulers. They were valued for their loyalty, discipline, and military prowess. Over time, some Mamluks gained significant influence and power within the ruling elite, often becoming de facto rulers themselves.

In Egypt, the Mamluks established the Mamluk Sultanate in the 13th century, which lasted until the Ottoman conquest in the early 16th century. The Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt was characterized by political intrigue, military conflicts, and cultural flourishing. The Mamluks also ruled parts of the Levant, including Syria and Palestine, during various periods.

The Mamluk system had a significant impact on the political and military history of the Islamic world, particularly in the medieval period. They played crucial roles in defending Islamic territories against Crusader invasions, Mongol incursions, and other external threats. Despite their origins as slaves, the Mamluks became a powerful ruling class and left a lasting legacy in the regions they governed.