Barsbay vs Qansuh al-Ghawri

Barsbay led a military campaign to suppress a large-scale Bedouin revolt in Upper Egypt. The rebellion threatened agricultural production and trade routes. The sultan's forces defeated the Bedouin tribes, restoring order and securing the region.

Barsbay launched a naval expedition against the Kingdom of Cyprus, which had been raiding Mamluk coasts. The Mamluk fleet captured Limassol and forced the Cypriot king to pay tribute, extending Mamluk influence into the eastern Mediterranean.

Barsbay established a state monopoly over the spice trade in Egypt, requiring all spice imports to be sold to the government at fixed prices. This policy generated significant revenue for the Mamluk treasury but disrupted traditional trade routes and angered Venetian merchants.

Qansuh al-Ghawri attempted to modernize the Mamluk army by introducing firearms and training infantry in their use. These reforms faced resistance from traditional Mamluk cavalry elites and were only partially implemented, leaving the army unprepared for the Ottoman threat.

Qansuh al-Ghawri executed the Emir of Dulkadir, a vassal state, for conspiring with the Ottoman Empire. This act alienated other Mamluk vassals and weakened the sultanate's alliances on the eve of the Ottoman invasion.

Qansuh al-Ghawri led the Mamluk army against the Ottoman forces of Selim I at Marj Dabiq near Aleppo. The Mamluks were decisively defeated due to Ottoman artillery and superior tactics. Al-Ghawri was killed during the battle, leading to the collapse of Mamluk control over Syria.