Aq Qoyunlu–Mamluk War (1470–1474)

The Aq Qoyunlu–Mamluk War was a conflict fought between the Aq Qoyunlu confederation and the Mamluk Sultanate from 1470 to 1474. The war was sparked by Aq Qoyunlu raids into Mamluk territories in Syria and Upper Mesopotamia and culminated in a series of battles, including the failed sieges of Bira and Bilecik. The war ended with a decisive Mamluk victory and marked the beginning of Aq Qoyunlu's decline.

Background

The Aq Qoyunlu Turkmen confederation emerged as a major power in Southwest Asian politics during the second half of the 15th century, following the decline of the Ilkhanate.

In 1429, Qara Yuluk Uthman Beg, founder of the Aq Qoyunlu dynasty, launched an attack on the Dulkadirids—then vassals of the Mamluk Sultanate—and appointed his son Ali Beg as governor over the conquered region. In response, the Mamluks raided Urfa, capturing both Ali Beg and another Aq Qoyunlu commander, Abul Bey. The Mamluks then proceeded to besiege the Aq Qoyunlu capital. Although the siege ended in a stalemate, Uthman Beg ultimately submitted to Mamluk authority and recognized their suzerainty.

During his first decade of rule, Uzun Hasan secured a series of victories against two of his main rivals: Jahan Shah of the Qara Qoyunlu federation and the Timurid ruler of Bukhara. In 1467, the Dulkadirid ruler Shah Suwar revolted against the Mamluks and maintained independence for three years.