Military Slavery: The phenomenon of military slavery became nearly universal from Egypt to Central Asia in the medieval period. Many Europeans were shocked at the thought that the roles held by kings, nobility, and aristocracy were held by soldiers of such humble beginnings. What accounted for this phenomenon? Why did it become so widespread? Is it possible to speak of a “classic mamluk system” as some scholars have?
Ayalon,D., Eunuchs, Caliphs, and Sultans; "Studies on the Structure of the Mamluk Army" (article)
Levanoni, "The Mamluks' Ascent to Power in Egypt"; "The Mamluk Conception of the Sultanate", (articles); A Turning Point in Mamluk History (a large book, which an adept reading should be able to handle quickly).
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I have a question about Eunuchs and their role (if there is any) in this essay topic. Eunuchs come up rather frequently in David Avalon's writing. I am having difficulty understanding a Eunuch's status in relation to a Mamluk. Are Eunuchs also considered military slaves since at times they headed armies? Should I consider Eunuchs an important component of my essay, specifically when addressing slaves (eunuchs? and Mamluks) that held important roles in the government, army, and aristocracy?
ReplyDeleteGood question, and like many good questions it's one for which there isn't a complete answer yet. There were eunuch mamluks, even senior commanders, but these were relatively rare. In most cases, eunuchs had an important and specific role with respect to mamluks: they were charged with overseeing their upbringing particularly protecting them from sexual exploitation. As mamluks were exposed to eunuchs from an early age, and saw them as protectors, older mamluks were inclined to place their confidence in them, always an urgent question for men who lacked family, clan, and tribe. Eunuchs also had none of the competing loyalties that a family brings, making them excellent candidates for positions requiring a high degree of trust. It's an interesting topic, and a new one, as until Ayalon no one suspected that the many khadim-s (literally "servant") found in the sources were in fact eunuchs.
ReplyDeleteProfessor, for question 9 on the syllabus pertaining to the Mamluk slave system, the third piece of literature by Pipes does not appear to be posted on the learn@uw site, while both Alayon and Levanoni are. Danielle said she would ask you about it and see if it could get posted. I was just wondering if a status update might be available.
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