The Mamluks were a political and military class that ruled Egypt and the Levant from the 13th to the 16th centuries. Originally enslaved soldiers, they gained power and established a sultanate after defeating the Mongols and Crusaders. The Mamluk Sultanate is known for its architectural achievements, including the construction of mosques and schools, as well as its vibrant culture. The Mamluks were divided into two main groups: the Bahri Mamluks, who were primarily of Turkic origin, and the Burdj Mamluks, who were mostly Circassian. Their rule ended when the Ottoman Empire conquered Egypt in 1517, marking the decline of Mamluk power.