Abstract
Although there are diverse representations of the Mamluks, some common patterns can be observed. The Baḥri Mamluks, such as Baybars, Quṭuz, and Shajarat al-Durr, are blended with Egyptian nationalist heroes in a positive manner. By contrast, the Circassian Mamluk era is stereotyped as the zenith of Mamluk tyranny and oppression due to the continuous power struggles of the ruling classes. This turbulent part of Mamluk history is allegorically employed to criticize Egypt’s contemporary social political reality. Similarly, the Mamluks under Ottoman rule are not only treated as the perpetrators of social and political stagnation in Egyptian society, but are also presented as the antithesis of Muḥammad ‘Alī, opposing his reforms in government.
Keywords
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsAuthor information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2017 The Author(s)
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Sung, I.K. (2017). Representations of the Mamluks in Historical Novels and Plays. In: Mamluks in the Modern Egyptian Mind. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-54830-6_5
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-54830-6_5
Published:
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, New York
Print ISBN: 978-1-137-55712-4
Online ISBN: 978-1-137-54830-6
eBook Packages: Political Science and International StudiesPolitical Science and International Studies (R0)