The Phenomenon of the Ottoman Political Asylum to the Mameluke Sultanate (872-923 AH / 1468-1517 AD): Selected Models

Abstract

The research presents a historical study on the Ottoman political refugees and the exiled politicians who came to Cairo in the period from 872 AH - 923 AH corresponding to 1468 - 1517 AD through examining the policy of the Mameluke state in dealing with them and the political and diplomatic implications of these groups. The study clarified the role of the Mameluke state and its desire to preserve the internal and external security of its state and to consolidate foreign relations with neighboring powers by dealing with political refugees. The study showed the role of the Mameluke state diplomacy in trying to resolve political and military crises, and to benefit diplomatically from the policy of peaceful openness with neighboring powers. Finally, the study clarified the policy of Sultan Qāytibāy and Qānṣūh Al-Ghūrī in dealing with these groups, and their role in exploring how to protect the Mameluke state from external dangers in times of crisis.