The origin of the Circassian Mamluks This state was called the Mamluk state, referring to the sultans of the Circassian people. They are called Circassians, or Jurkass. They did not originate in Upper Asia, but rather migrated to it from Siberia and the regions west of the Caspian Sea, starting in the 6th century AD. They migrated to these lands for trade, and the Sultan of Egypt acquired a large number of them. He used them in the state's administration, and they rose in rank according to their natural inclination for work and intelligence, until they became the protectors of the fortresses and castles. They resided in the towers and were thus called the "Burjiyya". Their numbers and strength continued to grow until they felt capable of ascending the throne and making it hereditary for their descendants. We have seen that they achieved what they desired, such as Sultan Al-Ashraf Haji bin Sha'ban and Sultan Barquq. As for Barquq, he was the son of a Circassian merchant named Anas, who was captured in Circassia and taken to Crimea. He was bought by a Muslim man named Al-Mu'allim Usman, who brought him to Egypt in the year 764 AH. He was purchased by the Emir Yalbugha and added to his Mamluks. However, Barquq's intelligence, courage, and dignity attracted his master's attention, who greatly promoted him until he was included in his inner circle and given the title of "Sheikh" in reference to his mastery of jurisprudence and other Islamic sciences. He was placed among the ranks of the emirs and was known as Al-Uthmani and Al-Yalbughawi. He remained in his service until God decreed the death of Yalbugha, and his Mamluks dispersed. Barquq and another emir named Barkah, who were both deeply involved in warfare, were freed. They then entered the service of Mengjak, the ruler of Damascus. Later, they returned to Tadmur at the request of Al-Ashraf Sha'ban. Barquq managed, through various means, to obtain the rank of "Bash-i-Yakhur" and command of a thousand men, becoming one of those who aspired to the regency. He assumed it and was given the title "Atabeg Ayub". His companion Barkah took charge of administrative affairs. This continued until Sultan Haji died. Barquq, with the help of his supporters, was able to ascend the throne in Ramadan of the year 784 AH.