BURJI MAMLUK.Barquq.(1st reign, 1382-1389). al-Qahira 789 AH.Dirham.

Obv : السلطان الملك الظاهر برقوق (Al-Sultan Al-Malik Al-Zahir Barquq).
Arabic legand.

Rev : لا إله إلا الله / محمد رسول الله (La ilaha illallah / Muhammad rasul Allah).
Arabic legand.
Album 973.

Condition : The coin has a natural silver patina with light wear, especially on the raised areas. The surface shows signs of aging, giving it a slightly textured appearance. Despite the wear, the inscriptions remain clearly visible, with a mix of smooth and rough areas that enhance the overall antique look of the coin.Good very fine.

Material : Silver.
Axis : 12h

Weight : 3.41 gr
Diameter : 18 mm

Barquq was a prominent figure in the Burji Mamluk dynasty and ruled as Sultan of Egypt and Syria during two separate reigns, the first from 1382 to 1389 and the second from 1390 until his death in 1399. His rise to power marked the beginning of the Burji dynasty, which replaced the earlier Bahri Mamluks, and his rule brought significant political and military changes to the Mamluk Sultanate, one of the most powerful states in the Islamic world during the medieval period.

The Mamluk Sultanate was a powerful regime in the medieval Islamic world, controlling Egypt, Syria, and parts of Arabia. The Mamluks were originally slave soldiers, primarily of Turkic and Circassian origin, who served as elite military units for the Ayyubid sultans. Over time, they gained significant political power and established their own sultanate in Egypt in 1250 after overthrowing the Ayyubid dynasty.

The Mamluk Sultanate was divided into two major dynastic periods: the Bahri Mamluks, who were primarily of Turkic origin and ruled from 1250 to 1382, and the Burji Mamluks, primarily of Circassian origin, who came to power with Barquq's rise in 1382. The term Burji refers to the Citadel of Cairo (Burj al-Qahira), where many of the Circassian Mamluks were garrisoned. Barquq's ascension to power marked a significant shift in the power structure of the Mamluk Sultanate, as the Circassian faction came to dominate the political landscape.

Barquq was born in Circassia and was brought to Egypt as a slave, where he became a Mamluk soldier. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his military prowess and political acumen, gaining the trust of Sultan al-Mansur Ali, the last of the Bahri Mamluk sultans. By the 1380s, the Bahri Mamluk dynasty was in decline, weakened by internal factionalism and economic instability.

In 1382, Barquq, who had become one of the most powerful amirs (commanders) in the Mamluk army, led a coup against al-Mansur Ali and declared himself Sultan of Egypt and Syria, marking the beginning of his first reign. This was a crucial turning point in Mamluk history, as it established the Burji Mamluks as the ruling faction within the sultanate.Barquq’s first reign was marked by efforts to consolidate his power in the face of opposition from rival Mamluk factions and external threats. His rise to power was not universally accepted, and many of the Bahri Mamluks, who had dominated the political scene for over a century, were unhappy with his rule. Barquq had to contend with several revolts and conspiracies aimed at deposing him.

One of the major challenges Barquq faced during his first reign came from Yalbugha al-Nasiri, a powerful Mamluk commander who had significant influence in the army and opposed Barquq's rule. Yalbugha led a rebellion against Barquq, and although the sultan was able to suppress the uprising, the internal strife highlighted the ongoing factionalism within the Mamluk elite. Barquq dealt with this internal instability by gradually purging his rivals and rewarding loyal Circassian Mamluks, who became the backbone of his military support.

In addition to internal challenges, Barquq had to manage the complex relations between the Mamluk Sultanate and neighboring powers, including the Ottoman Empire, which was beginning to assert itself as a major power in the region, and the Timurid Empire, which posed a significant threat from the east under the leadership of Timur (Tamerlane).

Barquq’s first reign was also notable for his attempts to reform the Mamluk military and administrative structures. He sought to strengthen the central authority of the sultanate, which had been weakened by the decentralized power of the amirs during the later Bahri period. To do this, he took steps to reduce the influence of powerful provincial amirs and centralized control over the military by appointing his loyal Circassian Mamluks to key positions.

Barquq also worked to improve the financial situation of the sultanate, which had been suffering from economic difficulties due to mismanagement and external pressures. He implemented fiscal reforms aimed at increasing the revenue of the state, including efforts to control the land distribution system (iqta') that provided the Mamluk military elite with land-based income. These reforms helped to stabilize the Mamluk economy, though they did not fully resolve the financial problems that plagued the state.

Despite his efforts to consolidate his rule, Barquq’s first reign ended in 1389 when he was briefly overthrown by a coalition of rebellious Mamluk factions. His opponents, primarily led by Aytmish al-Bajasi, a former ally turned rival, managed to capture Cairo and force Barquq to flee the city. Aytmish declared himself Sultan, but his rule was short-lived. Barquq, with the help of loyal Circassian Mamluks and other supporters, regrouped and launched a counteroffensive against the rebels.

By 1390, Barquq had successfully regained control of Cairo, and he deposed Aytmish, marking the beginning of his second reign. During his second rule, Barquq would further consolidate his power and continue his efforts to strengthen the Mamluk Sultanate, leaving a lasting legacy as the founder of the Burji dynasty.

Barquq's first reign from 1382 to 1389 was a critical period in the history of the Mamluk Sultanate, as it marked the transition from the Bahri Mamluks to the Burji Mamluks. His successful rise to power and his ability to navigate the complex politics of the Mamluk court demonstrated his skill as both a military leader and a politician. Though his first reign was marked by instability and rebellion, Barquq laid the groundwork for the consolidation of the Burji Mamluk dynasty, which would continue to rule Egypt and Syria for more than a century.

Barquq's reforms, particularly his efforts to centralize authority and strengthen the role of the Circassian Mamluks in the military, had a lasting impact on the governance of the Mamluk Sultanate. While his first reign ended in temporary defeat, his eventual return to power and his subsequent achievements during his second reign solidified his position as one of the most important figures in the later history of the Mamluk Sultanate.

In conclusion, Barquq’s first reign as Sultan of Egypt and Syria from 1382 to 1389 was a transformative period for the Mamluk Sultanate. His rise to power marked the beginning of the Circassian-led Burji dynasty, and his reign was characterized by efforts to consolidate his authority, reform the military and administrative systems, and navigate the complex political landscape of 14th-century Egypt and Syria. Despite being overthrown in 1389, Barquq’s influence endured, and he would return to power in 1390 to continue shaping the future of the Mamluk Sultanate.