THE POLITICAL ROLE OF THE ULAMA OF DAMASCUS AT THE TIME OF CIRCASSIAN MAMELUKS (784H/1382AD-923H/1517AD)
THE POLITICAL ROLE OF THE ULAMA OF DAMASCUS AT THE TIME OF CIRCASSIAN MAMELUKS (784H/1382AD-923H/1517AD)

Summary/Abstract: Political life in Damascus and other cities of al-Sham was in the hands of Circassian Mameluks who differed in race, origin, language, temperament, and qualities from the people of Damascus. The Circassian Mameluks kept aloof from their subjects due to an education system that confined them to military barracks and made them loyal only to their rulers (amirs) who trained them. They were also loyal to their brothers in arms. Their main concern was focused on the organization of army and the exploitation of people. The high-ranking officers chose for themselves forces appropriate to their ranks and they directly trained, disciplined and used them. In addition to that, the representative of the sultanate in Damascus kept a big legislative organization to which he appointed high military commanders in order to facilitate his military matters. The sultanate supported itself economically by imposing taxes on traders, farmers, and artisans and for that purpose it employed a great number of officials such as scribes, accountants and tax collectors. Since the ulama were appointed as judges and inspectors of public finances and markets, they were a category of the society that was closest to the ruling authorities.

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