Shajar al-Durr

After the death of her husband As-Salih Ayyub, Shajar al-Durr became the de facto ruler of Egypt. She was proclaimed Sultana with the support of the Mamluk commanders. Her reign marked the first and only time a woman ruled Egypt in the medieval Islamic period.

To legitimize her rule and appease the Ayyubid caliph, Shajar al-Durr married the Mamluk commander Aybak. She abdicated the throne in his favor but retained significant influence. This marriage established the Mamluk Sultanate under Aybak's nominal rule.

Shajar al-Durr ordered the assassination of her husband Sultan Aybak in his bathhouse after he planned to marry another woman. She feared losing her power and influence. This act led to a power struggle among the Mamluks and her own downfall.

After Aybak's murder, Shajar al-Durr was arrested by the Mamluks loyal to Aybak. She was beaten to death by Aybak's concubines or slaves, and her body was thrown into a ditch. Her death ended the brief period of female rule in the Mamluk Sultanate.