The Role of Sâkî in the Middle Ages: A Study in the Mamluk State (648-923/1250-1517)

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to approach the functions of the Sâkî, who played an important role in the political and military life of the Mamluk state, at various levels of the state from a historical perspective. The Role of Sâkî has been accepted as one of the valuable professions that served in the palaces of the kings and the houses of the notables since ancient times. The role of Sâkî, which is defined as a servant who serves his master a drink in a goblet, became a profession with the Abbasids and then began to be seen in the Muslim Turkish States. It has been observed that the role of Sâkî, who started to gain a respected identity during the Turkish kings was in a position very close to the sultan. Indeed, since Muhammad b. Qalawun was his teacher, and the emirs, who were called Nâsırîyye memâliki, were given the degree of regency in the central bureaucracy. The power and influence of the sâkîs, who took part in military campaigns alongside the sultans, varied periodically. In this study, which we examined by examining the works of Egyptian historians that contain valuable information, it is revealed that the role of Sâkî was more prominent with their statesmanship than serving drinks. © 2025, Osman Kose. All rights reserved.