Featured Image above: Louis IX of France lea the Seventh Crusade
The Gathering Storm
One of the most difficult and ultimately disastrous political decisions As-Salih had to make was to allow his allies, the Khwarezmians, who had formerly been allies of his uncle, to capture Jerusalem. His father, Al-Kamil, had conceded the Holy City to the Crusaders in the 6th Crusade peace negotiations. Afterward, the Khwarezmians joined him in the fight to retake Damascus from his uncle, but eventually he came to distrust them and defeated them in battle. The capture of Jerusalem led to the Pope calling for another crusade.
The Seventh Crusade Begins
King Louis IX of France was possibly the most enthusiastic European monarch to answer the call to crusade. By now, most of Europe had enough problems of its own to deal with and had grown weary of the pattern of winning and then losing the Holy City of Jerusalem. Lack of finance, delays, and weather conditions all affected Louis’ plans badly at the outset. Later in the campaign, bad decisions and disobedience among various lesser commanders would take a heavier toll. Once in Cyprus, Louis set his sights on Egypt, a strategic and wealthy region in the heart of the Islamic world. His plan was to use Egypt as a launching point, as well as a supplier of food and provisions for further campaigns in the region. Being delayed in Cyprus longer than planned meant that some crusade leaders ran out of money and food for their soldiers.
As-Salih was in Syria in September 1248 on yet another campaign against his uncle, where he sustained a wound, initially believed to be not serious, when he received the news that Louis was in Cyprus and that his plan was to go to Egypt, not Jerusalem. He abandoned the campaign and set out for home with his army.
Crisis at Damietta
On 5 June 1249 the crusaders landed in Egypt, and the siege of Damietta began. Through a series of mistakes on the Muslim side, Louis’ forces captured the town, and he garrisoned his troops there for the summer while waiting for the Nile waters to go down. Meanwhile, the ailing As-Salih was moved to the palace at Mansurah. His leg wound had not healed, and his health was deteriorating. It was decided to amputate the abscessed leg in an effort to save his life.
By October, As-Salih, at the age of 44, knew he was not going to recover. It was the worst possible time for the Sultan to die. Fearing that the citizens and the army would be demoralized by his death, he conspired with Shajar Al-Durr, Emir Fakhr ad-Din ibn as-Shaikh, commander of the Egyptian army, and Tawashi Jamal ad-Din Muhsin, chief eunuch of the palace, that when he would die, they would keep his death secret until the crusaders were defeated or until his son, Turanshah, arrived. He signed blank parchments, which could be used for letters, to relay orders, and/or to make decrees and announcements. Visits to his chambers by anyone other than the Chief Eunuch and Shajar were forbidden. Music was played outside his bedroom door for his entertainment.
On 22 November 1249 As-Salih, Sultan of Egypt and Damascus, passed away.
The Great Deception
The conspirators played their parts with unwavering dedication, preserving the illusion of As-Salih’s rule in the face of danger. Meals continued to be brought several times a day to his chambers, the musicians played in the anteroom; reports and dispatches came and went. Shajar al-Durr sent his body in secret to the palace on Rawda Island and dispatched a messenger to Turanshah, asking that he come. They succeeded in keeping up the pretense that the Sultan was still alive until Turanshah arrived, whereupon they announced the death of the Sultan As-Salih and Turanshah was installed as Sultan.
On 6 April 1250, at the Battle of Fariskur, the crusader army of the 7th Crusade was defeated and King Louis IX was taken prisoner.
Turanshah’s Disastrous Reign
When one trouble ends, another begins. Turanshah was not content to rule under the guidance of Shajar al-Durr or his departed father’s loyal advisors. With shrewd calculation, he imprisoned several officials who dared to stand in his way and swiftly replaced several key figures with his own trusted followers, brought from Hasankeyf. Turanshah ensured his grip on the realm tightened like a vise.
Turanshah also sent a message to Shajar al-Durr, urging her to relinquish the wealth and jewels that once belonged to his late father. His actions had set in motion a perilous dance between power and loyalty within the army, the palace, and Cairo itself. The distressing request and audacious demeanor of Turanshah weighed heavily on the tired but indomitable spirit of Shajar al-Durr. Seeking advice and support, she turned to the formidable Mamluks, recounting the menacing threats and ungratefulness that emanated from Turanshah.
Adding fuel to the already smoldering fire, Turanshah’s character was marked by his indulgence in alcohol, a vice that rendered him prone to unspeakable acts. In his drunken stupor, he mistreated the concubines and servants of his father’s harem and even went so far as to issue threats against the Mamluks. He would swing his sword at lighted candlesticks, cutting the tops off, while speaking the names of individual Mamluks with each swipe.
Regicide and a Momentous Decision
Turanshah’s rash actions cost him not only the throne that had been handed peacefully to him but also his life. On the fateful day of 2nd May 1250, Turanshah’s life was abruptly ended at the hands of the Mamluk commander, Rukn al-Din Baybars al-Salihi, and a group of loyal soldiers.
A momentous gathering took place, bringing together the powerful Mamluks and Emirs. Amidst whispers of intrigue and shifting loyalties, they met to decide the fate of the kingdom and reached a momentous decision – Shajar al-Durr was to ascend the throne as the new monarch. Alongside her, the venerable Izz al-Din Aybak was chosen to stand as Atabeg, the commander in chief, in steadfast support of the new sovereign.
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At the Citadel in Cairo, Shajar al-Durr received this weighty proclamation, and with great humility, she graciously accepted the mantle of power. Her name was to be included in the Friday prayers in all the mosques, a matter of great recognition and importance if she were to hold the throne.
Continue reading in Part 3: Sultana, Regent, and Tragic End
Last updated on 21/12/2025 by Marie Vaughan