On the Chronicles and Biographical Works (Tabaqat) of Mamluk Times (648-923/1250-1517)

Abstract

Factors such as the fact that the ulema (scholars), who had to leave their regions upon the Mongol invasion and take the Regions of Egypt and Damascus as a shelter for themselves, especially the incentives of sultans and statesmen, enabled a culturally rich neighborhood in the land dominated by Mamluks. Thus, many scholars existed in different fields during the Mamluks period and many works were written. In particular, the existence of many historians and biography writers in the field of history and the writing of voluminous works, caused this period to be considered the golden age of Islamic Historiography. In these works, it is also possible to find important information about the history of the Ottomans and many surrounding states, and information and details about the lives of leading figures. As far as we can identify, there is no separate work in our country that studies Mamluk historians and biographies. In this respect, such a study has become a necessity. After the introduction of our study, the leading historians of the Mamluk and their works were introduced in two basic periods as Bahrî and Burcî. Our study aims to reflect the experiences of a scholar who worked in this field for many years, rather than a general study depicting Mamluk historiography and historians. In other words, in this study, subjects such as the way a Mamluk historian approaches matters, his/her partiality or impartiality, problems that may be encountered in his/her work, or how that work should be used are explained with examples as far as possible.