Barquq vs Wu Zhao

Barquq, a Circassian Mamluk, seized the sultanate after deposing the young Sultan Hajji II. He was the first sultan of the Burji dynasty, named after the Circassian Mamluks stationed in the Cairo Citadel. This marked a shift from the Qalawunid dynasty.

Barquq purged rival Mamluk factions, particularly the Z

Barquq was deposed by a coalition of Mamluk rebels led by Mintash and Yalbugha al-Nasiri. He was imprisoned in the Cairo Citadel and later exiled to al-Karak. This rebellion temporarily restored the Qalawunid puppet Sultan Hajji II.

Barquq escaped from al-Karak and raised an army. He defeated the rebel forces and recaptured Cairo. He was restored to the sultanate and executed his rivals. This return solidified his control and ended the Qalawunid restoration.

Barquq faced the threat of Timur's invasion of Syria. He sent an army to defend Aleppo but avoided a direct confrontation. Barquq's diplomatic efforts and military preparations deterred Timur from invading Egypt, preserving Mamluk rule.

Barquq died in Cairo, likely from natural causes. He was succeeded by his son An-Nasir Faraj. Barquq's reign founded the Burji dynasty, which ruled Egypt until the Ottoman conquest in 1517.

Wu Zhao expanded the imperial examination system, reducing the power of aristocratic families. She introduced new exams for military and literary talent and promoted scholars from humble backgrounds, strengthening meritocracy in government.

Wu Zhao formally deposed her son, Emperor Ruizong, and ascended the throne as emperor of her own Zhou dynasty. She became the only woman in Chinese history to rule as emperor in her own right, establishing a new capital at Luoyang.

The Khitan tribes rebelled against Tang rule, defeating Chinese armies. Wu Zhao responded by mobilizing forces and eventually crushing the rebellion. The conflict weakened Tang control over the northeast and demonstrated the limits of her military power.

A coup led by Zhang Jianzhi and other officials forced Wu Zhao to abdicate in favor of her son, Emperor Zhongzong. She died later that year. The coup restored the Tang dynasty and ended her 15-year reign as emperor.