Barquq

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.