Content and analysis of Badr al-Dîn Mahmud al-'Aynî's al-Ravzatu al-Zâhir fî Sîreti al-Melik al-Zâhir Tatar

One of the prominent figures of the Mamluk Sultanate, Badr al-Din Mahmoud al- 'Ayni, presented his work "al-Rawd al-Zâhir fi Sirat al-Malik al- Zâhir Tatar" as a coronation gift to Sultan al-Malik al- Zâhir Sayf al-Din Tatar (d.1421), who ruled for only a few months. In this work, al-'Ayni paid special attention to emphasizing the legitimacy of the newly ascended sultan. Recognized as a significant figure in Mamluk history, al- 'Ayni drew upon nearly all scholarly disciplines in this text, aiming to establish the sultan as a rightful ruler. In dedicating this work to Sultan Tatar, al-'Ayni also expressed his hope that the sultan would become his patron and find solutions to his personal difficulties. As a scholar who held important positions in the Mamluk Sultanate for many years, al-'Ayni meticulously outlined the political and social steps necessary for the sultan to maintain a respectable position and earn the trust of the people. In this context, the work serves as both a historical record and a political treatise. al-'Ayni created a guide to help shape Sultan Tatar's vision of governance, aiming to establish him as a leader who would be respected not only by the public but also by the elite within the state. In a large portion of the work, al-'Ayni addresses the ethical principles the sultan should adhere to and the foundations of politics, backing his recommendations with insights from various Islamic scholars and lessons from Mamluk history. He especially emphasizes issues such as ensuring justice, prioritizing public welfare, and managing state resources responsibly. Thus, al-'Ayni sought not only to present the principles of governance in a theoretical framework but also to demonstrate their practical implications. Drawing from the traditions of "Siyasatnama" and "Nasihatnama", along with his own experiences and observed events, al-'Ayni conveyed the need for an ideal state administration adapted to contemporary conditions. In this regard, al-'Ayni highlighted the importance of the sultan administering a fair rule that takes into account the interests of different segments of society, strengthening public confidence in the state. He particularly addressed key considerations for the sultan's management of the state's military power and financial resources, illustrating these with examples and concrete recommendations. More than a mere coronation gift, this comprehensive work stands as a guide detailing the Mamluk Sultanate's political philosophy, the relationship between state administration and the populace, principles of governance, and the sultan's sense of duty. This study includes a translation of "al-Rawd al- Zâhir fi Sirat al-Malik al- Zâhir Tatar" from Arabic to Turkish and an analysis of its content, which integrates concepts of politics, ethics, and justice in the context of the Mamluk Sultanate. Key Words: Mamluk Sultanate, Burji Mamluks, al-'Ayni, al- Zâhir Tatar, Siyasetnâme