The causes of high prices in Egypt in the Mamluk era and its repercussions648-784 AH / 1250-1282 AD

Abstract

In the beginning, the Mamluk state in Egypt was established during the Middle Ages after this military class succeeded in seizing power. Here is a summary of the process of establishing the Mamluk state:

1. Ayyubid Period (12th Century - Early 13th Century):

   - The authority fell into the hands of the Ayyubid dynasty after Salah al-Din Ayyubi invaded Egypt in 1169.

   - Salah al-Din established a centralized administrative system with a focus on military aspects.

1. Rise of the Mamluk Class:

   - The relationship between the Ayyubid rulers and the Mamluks, who were essentially military slaves acquired through purchase or enslavement, evolved.

   - The Mamluk class began to emerge as a powerful military force.

1. Mamluks Leading Egypt (Second Half of the 13th Century):

   - In 1250, the Damascus Mamluks led a successful uprising against the Ayyubid rulers in Egypt, led by the commander Qutuz.

   - The Mamluks were divided into two realms, the Kingdom of the Sea and the Kingdom of the Land, and the Mamluk dynasty was established in Egypt.

1. Mamluk Governance System:

   - The Mamluk government was characterized by a military system, with power constantly shifting among military leaders.

   - The period witnessed stability and economic and cultural prosperity, especially in the second half of the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th century.

The establishment of the Mamluk state in Egypt marked a significant milestone in Egyptian history, leading to periods of stability, prosperity, and leaving a lasting impact on the development of society and culture.

In the Mamluk era in Egypt, the issue of inflation posed a significant challenge to the population. The causes were diverse, including wars and political disruptions that affected the economy. Increases in taxes and military expenditures exacerbated the problem. Water scarcity and drought also contributed to the rise in food prices. Inflation significantly impacted people's lives, increasing poverty and economic pressures on the lower classes.

This issue was an integral part of societal challenges during the Mamluk period. The era witnessed political and economic turmoil, with the country affected by wars and internal conflicts. Taxes and military costs rose, leading to an increase in the cost of living. Water scarcity and drought caused a decline in agricultural production, contributing to the rise in food prices. Inflation had a profound effect on people's lives, with prices soaring excessively, undermining their ability to meet basic needs.

In this context, the intensity of poverty increased, and living conditions worsened for the lower classes. Inflation also led to the deterioration of the overall economic situation and increased social tensions. It can be said that the issue of inflation reflected the challenging conditions experienced by Egyptian society during that period, significantly impacting people's lives.

Moreover, inflation was a complex phenomenon stemming from various economic, social, and environmental factors. Rural communities were engaged in wars and conflicts, leading to a decline in agricultural production and an increase in food prices. Water scarcity and drought were key factors in this context.

The problem of inflation worsened due to tax hikes and military expenditures, negatively affecting the economic life of the population. Poverty rates increased significantly, especially among the economically vulnerable groups. These conditions caused social tensions and extreme dissatisfaction among the people.

Overall, inflation in the Mamluk era reflects a complex interplay of economic, social, and environmental factors, profoundly affecting the lives of the population and posing a serious challenge to the society at that time.

Among the problems of inflation in Egypt during the Mamluk era, there was a diversity characterized by a broad impact on society and the economy. Among the most