Social services in the Bahrî Mamluks (1250-1382)

The Mamluks were an important Muslim Turkish state that ruled the Middle East from the 13th century to the early 16th century. Unlike other Turkish states, the ruling class of the Mamluks was made up of individuals of slave origin. These slaves, after receiving military training, managed the state within a hierarchical command structure. These slaves, brought by Venetian and Genoese sailors from the Caucasus, the Kipchak steppe, and the Khwarezm regions to Egypt, were first given religious education, followed by military training at institutions known as tibak. After this training, they were granted their freedom. Based on their appearance, abilities, and merit, these Mamluks were assigned roles within the military class. Some of these Mamluks even rose to the position of sultan based on their talents and qualifications. The Mamluks ruled for over two and a half centuries in Egypt, Syria, Jerusalem, parts of Anatolia, and the Hijaz region. The Mamluks ruled from 1250 to 1517. This state is divided into two periods due to various reasons, including the origins of its rulers and the places where they received their military and religious education. The first period is known as the Bahri/Turkish Mamluks (648-784/1250-1382), and the second period is the Burji/Circassian Mamluks (784-923/1382-1517). In the Bahri Mamluks, social services were a major concern for the state. The sultan, emirs, and wealthy individuals established foundations either personally or with state support to provide services to disadvantaged groups, such as the poor and needy, so they could live without hardship. Among these disadvantaged groups were children, orphans, students, the sick, the elderly, women, prisoners, refugees, and convicts. Through these activities, the state enabled these groups to live at a standard of living closer to that of other members of society. The aim was for these individuals to benefit from public resources sufficiently, to develop themselves, and to stand on their own feet. In addition to these, the social services aimed to maintain individual freedom, social functionality, and the preservation of well-being based on solidarity and mutual assistance in society. The sultan, emirs, the ruling elite, as well as scholars, wealthy merchants, their families, and other philanthropists, either individually or through foundations, supported social service activities. Thanks to this support, the material needs of disadvantaged groups, such as food, shelter, and clothing, were met, and they were provided with education at institutions like schools and madrasas. In addition to meeting their material needs, efforts were made to meet their spiritual needs, such as visiting the sick to boost their morale. Prisoners were allowed to meet with their families, and they were not hindered in their ability to worship. Furthermore, individuals with disabilities were supported in their work life according to their situation, providing them with moral support. Social services became more prominent as a concept in Western civilization after the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. When examining the sources from the Mamluk period, it is evident that social service activities actually began with Prophet Muhammad and continued in Muslim states, becoming institutionalized over time. The social service activities of the Bahri Mamluks, the focus of our research, were carried out through both individual and institutional efforts. Disadvantaged groups in society were supported both materially and spiritually. Through these supports, the economic, social, and cultural well-being of these groups was elevated to a certain level. Additionally, it is important to highlight the successful social services provided by the Mamluks, who were significant representatives of Turkish-Islamic civilization. These social services carried out by the Mamluks in the Middle Ages later positively influenced the Western world as well.