The Mamluk dynasty was a political and military regime that ruled Egypt and the Levant from the 13th to the 16th centuries. It originated from a group of enslaved soldiers, known as Mamluks, who were trained to serve in the military. They gained power after defeating the Ayyubid dynasty and established a sultanate that became a significant cultural and economic center in the Islamic world. Under the Mamluks, Egypt flourished in trade, architecture, and the arts. They are known for their impressive architectural achievements, including the construction of the Sultan Hassan Mosque and the Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque. The Mamluk period also saw the rise of Cairo as a major hub for scholars and intellectuals.