It is well accepted among scholars that the Mamluk period in Egypt and Greater Syria (al-Sham) is characterized by a serious deterioration in the position of Jews and Christians. The article demonstrates that the situation of the Jews was more complex, by contextualizing it in the social, cultural and judicial environment of the Mamluk Sultanate. In addition, the paper argues that the scholars’ view of the nadir in the situation of the Jews derives – to a large extent – from the problematic nature of the contemporary Muslim historiographical sources in respect to dhimmis. In order to achieve a more balanced perspective of the situation of the Jews, one should apply to other historical sources, that were less obliged to Islamic paradigms – or not at all.

The article discusses several aspects of Jewish life under the Mamluks, mainly economic, social, political and demographic trends. The article shows that although the social, cultural, and intellectual integration of Jews in Mamluk society was limited compared to previous periods, they still were far from being isolated, especially in comparison with the status of the Jews in Latin Europe at the same time. The chapter describes the system of Jewish self-government embodied at this time in the office of the Nagidate, and also discusses at length the state’s policy towards the Jews, which was characterized by a stricter enforcement of the Pact of ʿUmar. See the full text in: https://www.academicstudiespress.com/landsandages/the-jews-in-medieval-egypt