Dulkadir

The Dulkadir Dynasty was a Turkmen dynasty that ruled in eastern Anatolia from 1337 to 1522. Their territory, located in the Elbistan-Maraş-Malatya region, became a point of contention between the Ottoman Empire and the Mamluks of Syria. The dynasty was founded by Karaca, who was initially recognized by the Mamluk sultan but later revolted and was killed.

In 1399, the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I installed Dulkadir Mehmed as ruler, challenging Mamluk influence. After 1450, intensified Ottoman-Mamluk rivalry led to internal struggles within the Dulkadir leadership. The principality was eventually incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in 1522 when the last Dulkadir prince was overthrown. The Dulkadir family was then granted vassal status and appointed to high offices within the Ottoman administration. Sultan Selim I of the Ottoman Empire also subjugated the Dulkadir principality, which led to conflict with the Mamluk rulers and ultimately brought Syria, Egypt, and Palestine under Ottoman control.12