State formation and the structure of politics in Mamluk Syro-Egypt, 648–741A.H./1250–1340 C.E.

By (author) Winslow Williams Clifford Edited by Stephan Conermann Series edited by Stephan Conermann

Book cover: State formation and the structure of politics in Mamluk Syro-Egypt, 648–741A.H./1250–1340 C.E.

Extent: 267 pages

Publisher: V&R unipress

Subjects: Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies, Medieval Studies

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(February 2013)

ISBN: 9783847100911

6.42 x 9.65 inches

Price: $94.00

Out of stock

Mamluk rule was not static “oriental despotism”


Winslow Williams Clifford is one of the few historians so far who have addressed the history and culture of the so-called Mamluk Sultanate (1250-1517) on the basis of theoretical models. This volume is a posthumous publication of his doctoral thesis, submitted in 1995 at the University of Chicago. Through his skillful application of social theory, Clifford succeeded in providing highly convincing evidence that the Mamluk Sultanate did not – as was maintained for a long time – constitute a static form of “oriental despotism” but was, rather, a highly differentiated society. It was primarily based on compliance with a complex system of order that had established itself during the rule of the first sultans.

  • By (author) Winslow Williams Clifford
  • Edited by Stephan Conermann
  • Series edited by Stephan Conermann