Diplomatic correspondence between Nasrid Granada and Mamluk Cairo (13th–15th centuries). The last hope for al-Andalus

Abstract

From the 13th to the 16th centuries, the Mamluk dynasty ruled the current regions of Egypt and Syria, becoming an important political power in the Middle East. The Nasrid sultanate of Granada (1238–1492), the last stronghold surviving in al-Andalus, was amongst the many realms that developed diplomatic relationships with this dynasty. Despite the remoteness between Granada and Cairo, several texts included in different chronicles, biographical repertoires, and chancery manuals show that the Nasrid dynasty established and maintained political communication with the Mamluks through several channels, including the exchange of official letters, embassies, and even presents to distant Cairo. The primary objective of Nasrid correspondence was to secure military assistance from the Mamluks, particularly during the 15th century. At the time, the Kingdom of Granada was on the verge of being conquered by the Christian Kingdom of Castile and Aragón, but denied the assistance of the neighboring Maghribi emirates. This chapter analyzes several aspects of the diplomatic communication developed between Nasrid Granada and Mamluk Cairo – derived from both primary and secondary Arabic sources. Special attention will be paid to the study of three different kinds of material: chancery documents; Arabic historical works; and biographical dictionaries. In addition to the edited version of many chancery documents, this paper will analyze several letters that remain in original form, such as the diplomatic epistles preserved in the manuscript ‘ar. 444’ at the National Library of France (Paris), published by G. S. Colin (Colin, Contribution à l’étude des relations diplomatiques entre les musulmans d’Occident et l’Égypte au XVe siècle, 1935). The main purpose of this paper is to offer a broad and complete perspective of the diplomatic relationship held between both kingdoms during the 13th to the 15th centuries, their content, intentions, and results.