fwo_660207 - EGYPT AND SYRIA - SULTANS MAMLUK - AL-ZAHIR JAQMAQ Ashrafi n.d. Le Caire

EGYPT AND SYRIA - SULTANS MAMLUK - AL-ZAHIR JAQMAQ

(1438-1453)

Al-Zahir Jaqmaq was of Caucasian origin. He was a Mamluk purchased by a prince named Ali; he was therefore known as Alaa'i. He became one of the Mamluks of Al-Zahir Barquq who freed him, and was therefore named Al-Zahiri. He rose to several positions during Barquq's reign and the following period. He was appointed head of the chamberlains at the time of Sultan Barsbay or more precisely the sultan's deputy in the state. Later, he was promoted to the position of general chief of the army. After Barsbay's death and his son's ascension to the sultanate, Jaqmaq directed the affairs of state. He dethroned Al-Aziz Youssouf and seized the throne. In 1453, Jaqmaq, aged eighty, died after designating his son `Uthman as successor.