The Mongols An-Nasir Yusuf

hulagu s army sacked baghdad in 1258.

the egyptian ruler aybak murdered in 1257 , young son al-mansur ali, 15 years old, became new sultan, qutuz vice-sultan. following year (1258) mongols led hulagu khan sacked baghdad.

baibars al-bunduqdari argued an-nasir yusuf should mobilize army , make preparations fight mongols marching towards syria. instead, yusuf sent son al-malik al-aziz present hulagu, requesting hulagu s assistance in invading egypt. hulagu s reply, however, warning yusuf should rapidly submit mongol authority. answer frightened an-nasir yusuf, @ once sent message egypt, requesting help. saif ad-din qutuz, vice-sultan of egypt decided confront mongols. arguing egypt not face approaching danger while ruled young boy, qutuz proclaimed himself sultan, , began raise large army, though assured an-nasir yusuf action temporarily measure till danger of mongols overcome.

as mongols marched toward aleppo, of an-nasir yusuf s advisors recommended surrendering hulagu best solution. angered baibars , mamluks attempted assassinate an-nasir yusuf, escaped , fled brother castle of damascus, sending wife, son, , money egypt. many of citizens of damascus fled egypt.