The Mamluks were army chiefs who took over the Egyptian empire, which included Palestine, from Saladin's Ayyubid successors in 1250, and ran it until they were ousted by the Ottomans in 1516. At the start of the Mamluk period, Jerusalem was part of the Syrian province whose capital was Damascus, but in 1376 its status was raised and its governor appointed directly from the Mamluk capital, Cairo. This increased importance was reflected in the construction of many beautiful buildings - colleges, hospices and mausoleums - all over the city and the restoration of existing ones. During the Mamluks' 250-year reign, there were over fifty rulers, and prominent members of previous regimes were often exiled to Jerusalem when power changed hands, adding further to the number of fine Mamluk buildings in the city.

 

Mamluk buildings are noted for the lightness of their design , the distinctive arched entrances and the use of red, white and black striped masonry, known as ablaq, and possibly derived from the Roman technique of opus mixtum in which stone and brick were alternated. Another typical feature of Mamluk architecture are stalactite-like murqanas that decorate the inside of domes or the tops of doorways and recesses.

The decorative use of Kufic lettering and geometric arabesques are also features of Mamluk architecture. Other common artistic flourishes include elaborate bronzework on doors, carved wooden pulpits, beautiful mosaics and stained glass.

For further information, see the excellent (if rather pricey) Mamluk Jerusalem by Michael Burgoyne (1987; World of Islam Festival Trust, London).