Reasons for the Ottoman Entry into Egypt
The reasons behind the Ottoman Empire’s incursion into Egypt and the Levant can be summarized as follows:
Welcoming of Rebel Princes by Sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri
Sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri of the Mamluks welcomed Ottoman princes who had rebelled against Sultan Selim I. Among these fugitives was Prince Ahmad, the brother of Sultan Selim I. The Mamluks aimed to leverage these princes to create further complications for the Ottoman Sultan, Selim I.
Ambiguous Stance of the Mamluk Sultanate towards the Ottoman Empire
The Mamluk Sultanate did not establish a clear position regarding the Ottoman Empire, remaining neither an overt ally nor a declared enemy. The Mamluks maintained a cordial relationship with the Safavid state and provided moral support to Shah Ismail of Persia. This association raised suspicions regarding their support for the Safavids in their conflicts with the Ottomans.
Disputes over Territorial Boundaries
Some tribes in the region gravitated towards the Ottomans, while others remained loyal to the Mamluks. This division prompted Sultan Selim I to contemplate the annexation of Egypt and the Levant, aiming to resolve these disputes once and for all.
Widespread Oppression in the Mamluk State
The prevalent oppression within the Mamluk state led notable figures, scholars, and judges from Egypt and the Levant to appeal to Sultan Selim I for the inclusion of their territories in the Ottoman Empire, seeking liberation from the tyranny and corruption that plagued the Mamluk regime.
Weakness and Corruption in Egypt and the Levant
The Ottoman scholars and jurists recognized that the widespread weakness and corruption in Egypt and the Levant justified their annexation to the robust Ottoman state at that time. This was particularly evident after the Mamluks faced defeat by the Portuguese at the Battle of Diu, alongside the Portuguese intent to capture Mecca and Medina. The only way to safeguard these holy sites was through Ottoman control over the Levant, compelling the Ottomans to expand their influence into these regions.
Preceding the Ottoman Entry into Egypt
The Ottoman Empire, under the leadership of Sultan Selim I, who succeeded after his father abdicated, faced significant internal challenges. One of his initial steps was to quell the internal strife instigated by some of his brothers. Following the suppression of these unrests, Sultan Selim encountered formidable challenges, notably the threat from the Safavid state accompanied by the spread of Shia Islam and the Portuguese discovery of the route around the Cape of Good Hope.
During this period, Islamic territories were under increasing threat from Portuguese exploration, especially with their discovery of a new trade route, which enabled them to dominate the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. This shift caused a considerable decline in the Mamluk economy, as European traders began to bypass Egyptian territories in favor of the new routes. Sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri attempted to counter the Portuguese advance but suffered a significant defeat at the renowned Battle of Diu.
The Annexation of Egypt and the Levant
Sultan Selim I was determined to annex Egypt and the Levant into his domain. He confronted Sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri in the Battle of Marj Dabiq, on the outskirts of Aleppo. The Mamluks were decisively defeated, resulting in the death of Sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri. Following the battle, Sultan Selim I conducted his funeral prayers and buried him at the battleground, marking this battle as the gateway to the Ottomans’ expansion into the Levant.
After his victory in the Battle of Marj Dabiq, the Levant succumbed to Sultan Selim I’s authority. He sent a messenger to Tuman Bay in Egypt, demanding submission without bloodshed. However, Tuman Bay executed the messenger, igniting further conflict. This led the Ottomans to advance into Egypt, achieving a resounding victory over the Mamluks at the battles of Gaza and Ridaniya, consequently incorporating Egypt and the Levant into the Ottoman Empire’s influence.