Sultan Al-Malik Al-Zahir Abu Sa’Id Barquq

Place: Cairo

Born: 1339

Death: 1399

Biography:

Sultan al-Malik al-Zahir Abu Sa’id Barquq was the Mamluk Sultan of Egypt from 1382 to 1399. He was born in Cairo, Egypt in 1339 and died in the same city in 1399. Barquq was the first sultan of the Burji period of the Mamluk Sultanate, which was characterized by the predominant ethnicity or corps of the ruling Mamluks being Circassian. He came to power after overthrowing the sultan in 1390. During his reign, Mamluk authority across the empire eroded due to foreign invasions, tribal rebellions, and natural disasters, and the state entered into a long period of financial distress. Barquq is known for his efforts to replenish the treasury, particularly monopolization of trade with Europe and tax expeditions into the countryside. He is also known for his patronage of the arts and architecture, including the construction of the Mosque of Barquq in Cairo.