Divan inspectorate in Bahri Mamluks / Shaddu'd-Dawavin

In the course of history, the continuity and influence of states have not been solely determined by victorious battles or territorial conquests. Rather, the lasting legacy of a civilization lies in the institutional structures that shape societal order. Within this context, the office of shaddü'd-devâvîn (ınspector of the dîwân), an important administrative and fiscal oversight institution during the Mamluk period, played a central role in the bureaucratic organization of the state. Although its origins trace back to the Ayyubid era, the institution became more systematized under the Mamluks and was primarily executed under the supervision of the vizier in provinces such as Egypt and Syria. Both military elites and scribal bureaucrats could be appointed to this office. This study examines the historical development, functional responsibilities, scope of authority, and appointment procedures of the shaddü'd-devâvîn institution through primary and secondary historical sources. The office held multifaceted responsibilities, including the supervision of government offices, fiscal auditing, tax collection, management of state revenues and expenditures, enforcement of criminal penalties, and maintenance of public order. It also undertook duties such as monitoring waqf (endowment) properties and representing central authority in provincial regions. Over time, the office became a focal point of political competition, and those who held the position often faced dismissals, exiles, confiscations, and reappointments, reflecting the volatile nature of its power. In this study, the execution of the office, its political implications, and its influence within the state will be analyzed through concrete examples of individuals who held the position during this period. Additionally, particular attention will be given to the representation of the Shaddü'd-Devâvîn in official correspondence, along with a detailed examination of appointment documents. The primary objective of this thesis is to contribute to the existing body of literature by offering a comprehensive study of the shaddü'd-devâvîn institution, which held a pivotal place within the administrative and financial structure of the Mamluk state. In doing so, the study adopts a holistic approach to explore the institution's structural features, historical development, duties, and its place within the broader socio-political dynamics of the period. Another aim of the study is to provide a systematic and consolidated reference for future researchers, given the fragmented nature of the current literature. By reconstructing the institutional framework and functions of shaddü'd-devâvîn, the thesis aims to establish a solid foundation for further academic inquiry. The thesis also presents a comparative evaluation of the institution's implementation across various regions, particularly Egypt, Damascus, Aleppo, and Gaza, highlighting differences in local functions and variations in the ranks of appointed officials. Moreover, the political and social influence of the office is emphasized through the analysis of power struggles, political purges, confiscations, and imprisonments experienced by officeholders. Additionally, the study covers the protocols and documents involved in the appointment process—such as taqlīd, marsūma, and tawqīʿ—as well as the expected virtues listed therein (e.g., justice, honesty, competence). Finally, the institution's role in legal and punitive procedures, such as the registration of criminals, execution of penalties, and even the sealing of judges' residences, demonstrates the office's extensive jurisdiction. Ultimately, this study concludes that the shaddü'd-devâvîn was not merely an administrative supervisory post but also a vital mechanism for maintaining fiscal discipline, safeguarding social order, and reinforcing central authority—thereby serving as a key element in understanding the political and bureaucratic organization of the Mamluk era.