Social Relations of Circassian Mamluk Historians with the Ruling Authority: An Analytical Study in Light of Social Interaction

Abstract

The social relationship between historians and the ruling elite during the Circassian Mamluk era (784–923 AH / 1382–1517 CE) represented one of the most complex and influential dynamics, significantly shaping the historiographical discourse of the period. It can be argued that historians were deeply integrated into the state apparatus; the majority were not merely authors but held high-ranking administrative and judicial offices. For instance, Al-Maqrizi occupied the post of Hisba (supervision of public affairs and markets), while Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani served as the Qadi al-Qudat (Chief Justice). This elevated social standing embedded historians within the ruling elite, facilitating daily interaction with sultans and emirs. On the other hand, a distinct group of historians emerged from the Awlad al-Nas class (the progeny of Mamluk emirs), who were linked to the authorities by ties of blood and lineage. A defining characteristic of the Circassian period was the prominence of historians from this caste, most notably Ibn Taghribirdi, the son of a high-ranking grand emir. Raised within the sultanic palaces, these historians maintained profound social ties with the ruling families, enabling them to record history from an 'insider perspective' with intimate knowledge of covert political intrigues and power struggles. Furthermore, these social relationships were founded upon a system of patronage and mutual interest. Sultans required historians to provide political legitimacy and to immortalize their prestige. In return, historians relied on sultanic patronage for their livelihood and the preservation of their scholarly and social status.