Napoleon’s Mamluks: From Egyptian Warriors to Elite Guards of the French Empire

Les Mamelouks de la République by Carle Vernet

1. Introduction: Historical Background and the Origins of the Mamluks

The Mamelukes (from the Arabic mamlūk, meaning "owned" or "slave soldier") were a military-political class that emerged in the Islamic world as early as the 9th century. Primarily composed of enslaved peoples from the Caucasus and Kipchak Steppes, they were rigorously trained as warriors. Over time, they rose to power, establishing the Mamluk Sultanate (1250–1517) in Egypt and Syria.

Even after the Ottoman conquest of Egypt in 1517, the Mamluks retained influence in local governance and military structures. By the late 18th century, Egypt was de facto ruled by Mamluk beys (lords).

2. Napoleon’s Egyptian Campaign (1798–1801): Clash of Two Military Traditions

Eager to strike a blow against British interests and expand French influence in the East, the young Revolutionary general Napoleon Bonaparte launched an invasion of Egypt. On 19 May 1798, a fleet of 335 ships carrying 40,000 soldiers and 167 scholars set sail from Toulon, reaching Alexandria on 1 July 1798.

Battle of the Pyramids (21 July 1798), oil on canvas by François-Louis-Joseph Watteau, 1798/99.

2.1. The Battle of the Pyramids (21 July 1798)

The first major confrontation between the Mamelukes and the French occurred near Cairo. Famously, Napoleon rallied his troops by declaring, "Soldiers! Forty centuries look down upon you from these pyramids!"

Mamluk Tactics:

·        Heavy cavalry charges

·        Heroic individual combat style

·        Reliance on swords, lances, and close-quarters combat

French Tactics:

·        Infantry squares (disciplined formations firing in all directions)

·        Coordinated artillery support

·        Modern rifle volleys

Outcome: The Mamelukes suffered devastating losses and retreated. Yet Napoleon, impressed by their bravery and horsemanship, began integrating them into his forces.

3. The Birth of Franco-Mamluk Collaboration

During the occupation, Napoleon adopted a policy of cooperation with local powers. Recognizing the Mamluks’ martial prowess, he actively recruited them.

3.1. Formation of the Mameluke Corps (1799)

By 1800, a formal unit—"Les Mamelouks de la République"—was established:

·        A 240-man elite cavalry squadron

·        Permitted to retain traditional attire and weapons

·        Directly attached to Napoleon’s personal guard

Notable Mamelukes:

·        Roustam Raza: Napoleon’s Armenian-born bodyguard and loyal aide

·        Yusuf (Joseph): Rose to the rank of general in the French Army

4. Transfer to France: Mamluks in Paris

After the French withdrawal from Egypt in 1801, approximately 600 Mamluks and their families were relocated to France. They were quartered in Paris, where they became a sensation.

4.1. Life in Parisian Society

The Mamluks:

·        Captivated high society with their exotic attire

·        Inspired the Orientalist movement in art and literature

·        Participated in Napoleon’s coronation (1804) as part of the imperial procession

Cultural Impact:

·        "À la Mamelouk" fashion trends (turbans, curved sabers)

·        Eastern influences in French cuisine

·        Depictions in paintings by Géricault and Delacroix

5. Military Campaigns with Napoleon

The Mamluk Corps fought in key battles across Europe:

5.1. Major Engagements

·        Austerlitz (1805): Fought alongside the Imperial Guard

·        Peninsular War (1808–1814): Guerrilla warfare in Spain

·        Waterloo (1815): A symbolic last stand with Napoleon

Tactical Roles:

·        Reconnaissance and raiding

·        Shock cavalry charges

·        Personal protection of Napoleon

6. Legacy of the Mamluks

After Napoleon’s fall in 1815, the unit was disbanded, but their influence endured:

6.1. Military Heritage

·        Innovations in French cavalry tactics

·        Inspired the ethos of the French Foreign Legion

·        Advisory roles during the Algerian conquest (1830)

6.2. Cultural Legacy

·        Louvre’s Mamluk artifacts collection

·        References in Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables

·        Mamluk iconography in modern French military heraldry

Theodore Gericault -I Dream of Her in the Crashing Waves, 1818 -

7. Conclusion: A Forgotten Bridge in History

Napoleon’s Mamelukes represent a unique fusion of Eastern and Western martial traditions. Their journey—from slavery to imperial guard—epitomizes the complex interplay of war, culture, and identity. Today, they remain a testament to the enduring power of cross-cultural exchange.

Further Reading:

1.     Napoleon’s Mamelukes – Yves Martin

2.     Oriental Soldiers in French Service – Jacques Frémeaux

Bonaparte and the Mamelukes – Jean-Joël Brégeon