(n.) One of a body of mounted soldiers recruited from slaves converted to Mohammedanism, who, during several centuries, had more or less control of the government of Egypt, until exterminated or dispersed by Mehemet Ali in 1811.
Example Sentences:
(1) After Syria gained independence in 1946, restoration of the Mameluk buildings, in particular the impressive Throne Room , started.
(2) There followed a period when the citadel changed hands repeatedly: the Mameluks from Cairo seized it from the Mongols, then lost it to Tamberlain, and recaptured it.
(3) Although the Mameluks added a ring wall with 40 towers, this was still not a good enough defence; they lost the citadel a second time when the Ottomans invaded in 1516.