Aybak

Aybak faced a rebellion from the Ayyubid prince An-Nasir Yusuf of Syria, who claimed the sultanate. Aybak defeated the Ayyubid forces at the Battle of Al-Kura in 1251. This victory consolidated Mamluk control over Egypt and prevented Ayyubid restoration.

Aybak became the first Mamluk Sultan of Egypt after marrying Shajar al-Durr and forcing her abdication. He was recognized by the Abbasid Caliph in Cairo. This marked the formal establishment of the Mamluk Sultanate, ending Ayyubid rule in Egypt.

Aybak was murdered in his bathhouse on the orders of his wife Shajar al-Durr. She feared he would replace her with another wife. His death triggered a succession crisis and led to the rise of his son Al-Mansur Ali, with Qutuz as regent.