The Mamluks / The Mamluk System

‘In many ways the training of Mamluks can be compared to that of contemporary European knights.’

Most important, however, he was highly trained in the art of war, archery and horsemanship. Indeed, in many ways the training of Mamluks can be compared to that of contemporary European knights. Regular tournaments were held with competitive games such as polo (jawkan) designed to refine the Mamluks’ equerry skills. Once their training was complete the Mamluk was set free and given a set of weapons and a horse. Now they were free to embark on military careers that enabled the most skilled among them to rise through the ranks to serve as senior commanders, provincial governors, the sultan’s retainers, or indeed as sultans themselves.

NameDynastyDetailsJustification
Small water-basinAround hegira 700 / AD 1300MamlukMuseum of Islamic Art at the Pergamon Museum
Berlin, Germany
A small bowl embellished with scenes of hunting and jousting, both of which were popular Mamluk sports designed to demonstrate courage and endurance.
GrenadesHegira 6th century / post-AD 1184AyyubidAjlun Archaeological Museum
Ajlun, Jordan
Knowledge of explosive devices and projectiles was vital for effective warfare against the enemy.
Page from a manuscript on horsemanshipHegira 9th century / AD 15th centuryMamlukMuseum of Islamic Art
Cairo, Egypt
To keep fit Mamluk knights regularly practised fencing, weight-lifting and swimming.
Ajlun CastleHegira 579–658 / AD 1184–1260Ayyubid–MamlukAjlun, JordanMamluks were trained in and stationed at citadels and fortresses. This one at Ajlun was strategically important, situated on the trade route between Syria and Egypt.