Mamluk campaigns against Cyprus (1424–1426)

The Mamluk campaigns against Cyprus were a series of military expeditions launched by the Mamluk Sultanate into the Kingdom of Cyprus between 1424 and 1426. As a result of the Mamluk victory in the battle of Khirokitia on 7 July 1426 and the capture of King Janus, Cyprus became a tributary state to the Egyptians.

Background In 1191, Richard I of England captured the island of Cyprus from the Byzantines during the Third Crusade, the island was later sold to Guy of Lusignan who purchased Cyprus from the Templars in 1192, who had themselves purchased it from Richard, Cyprus served as a supplier to the Levantine crusaders, in 1271, Baybars attempted to capture the island with an armada of 17 ships, but it was wrecked and destroyed in Limassol.Kenneth M. Setton, Robert Lee Wolff, "The Later Crusades, 1189–1311", p. 615-616

Cyprus later became a base for Frankish pirates and raiders, in late 1292, Cypriots kidnapped Egyptian sailors in the Mediterranean Sea. The Egyptian Sultan El-Ashraf Khalil bin Qalawun, who was known for his extreme pride and temper, ordered immediately to prepare and build 100 huge warships to invade all of Cyprus. He preferred to follow the construction of these ships himself, but he was assassinated in 1293 before the campaign is launched. In 1365, Peter I of Cyprus launched a raid into Alexandria and sacked the city for 3 days, killing its inhabitants and looting lots of treasures.Alexander Mikaberidze, Conflict and Conquest in the Islamic World: A Historical Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 71-72

Raids continued later on, in August 1422, the Cypriots captured a ship in the port of AlexandriaKadir I. Natho, Circassian History, p. 208 and in May 1424, they seized two ships from Damietta.Kadir I. Natho, p. 208Al-Maqrizi, al-Sulūk li-Ma‘rifat Duwal al-Mulūk, Vol VII, p. 99

Campaigns

First campaign

In late September 1424,Al-Maqrizi, p. 103Angel Nicolaou Konnari Chris Schabel, p. 284 the Mamluk armada consisting of 4Al-Maqrizi, p. 103 or 5Angel Nicolaou Konnari Chris Schabel, p. 284 landed near Limassol. The garrison knew about the incoming raid and evacuated the inhabitants before their arrival, leaving only 300 men and 70 knights, led by the Bailli and reinforcements from Nicosia led by Philip Prevost.Al-Maqrizi, p. 103Angel Nicolaou Konnari Chris Schabel, p. 284 The Mamluks attacked Limassol, defeated its garrison, killed Philip Prevost, sacked the city and burned it. They also burned 3 ships and sank 3 others, capturing 23 men.Al-Maqrizi, p. 103Angel Nicolaou Konnari Chris Schabel, p. 284Kadir I. Natho, p. 208

Second campaign

In July 1425,Susan Rose, Medieval Ships and Warfare, p .276 the Mamluks launched an organized raid with an armada of 40 ships.Susan Rose, p .276Al-Maqrizi, p. 121Kadir I. Natho, p. 208 The fleet arrived south of Famagusta where the governor pledged allegiance to the sultan and showed hospitality.Al-Maqrizi, p. 121Susan Rose, p .276 The Mamluks then raided the countryside, sacking everything in their way.Al-Maqrizi, p. 121 Then they marched to Larnaca, where they met the Cypriot fleet of 11 or 12 ships led by Janus's brother; defeating it.Susan Rose, p .276Al-Maqrizi, p. 121 The invaders again sacked Limassol, killed many of its inhabitants and departed in August.Angel Nicolaou Konnari Chris Schabel, p. 285Susan Rose, p .276 The number of slaves captured was apparently around 1,060 people and it is said that it took 70 camels to collect the looted treasure.Al-Maqrizi, p. 121

Third campaign

On this occasion the Mamluks aimed to subjugate the entire island, preparing a fleet of 100 ships. Their fleet attacked Limassol for the third time on 1 July 1426, destroying the castle. The Mamluks spent 6 days ravaging everything in their way until they met Janus's army in the fields of Khirokitia on 7 July. The Cypriot army was routed and King Janus was captured in battle.Al-Maqrizi, p. 138Angel Nicolaou Konnari Chris Schabel, p. 285Kadir I. Natho, p. 208 They then moved to capture Nicosia, however, learning the news of a naval reinforcement of 14 ships, the Mamluk marched to meet them and in the ensuing battle they killed 1,500 crusaders and then went on to capture Nicosia, sacking a part of the city.Al-Maqrizi, p. 138 On 18 July 1426, the Mamluks embarked for home.Kadir I. Natho, p. 208

Aftermath When news reached Cairo, it was greatly celebrated in the city, and festivals were held,Al-Maqrizi, p. 138 the people welcomed the Egyptians from their victorious campaign, the looted treasure, and the prisoners, around 1000, were paraded in the march, including Janus himself, envoys from Ottoman Empire, Hafsid dynasty and Sharif of Mecca praised Barsbay for his victory, Janus was then brought to the sultan, humiliated, he was forced to pay a 200,000 dinar ransom and agree to an annual tribute.Al-Maqrizi, p. 139-140Susan Rose, p .276

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