Barsbay vs Sakura

Barsbay led a military campaign to suppress a large-scale Bedouin revolt in Upper Egypt. The rebellion threatened agricultural production and trade routes. The sultan's forces defeated the Bedouin tribes, restoring order and securing the region.

Barsbay launched a naval expedition against the Kingdom of Cyprus, which had been raiding Mamluk coasts. The Mamluk fleet captured Limassol and forced the Cypriot king to pay tribute, extending Mamluk influence into the eastern Mediterranean.

Barsbay established a state monopoly over the spice trade in Egypt, requiring all spice imports to be sold to the government at fixed prices. This policy generated significant revenue for the Mamluk treasury but disrupted traditional trade routes and angered Venetian merchants.

Sakura, a former slave or court official, seized power in the Mali Empire after the death of Abubakari I. His usurpation ended the direct line of Sundiata Keita's descendants, establishing a new ruling dynasty.

Sakura led a military campaign that conquered the Songhai city of Gao, incorporating it into the Mali Empire. This expansion secured control over key trans-Saharan trade routes and increased Mali's wealth.

Sakura undertook the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. During the journey, he was killed by bandits near the port of Tajura. His death ended his reign and allowed the Keita dynasty to reclaim the throne under Mansa Musa's predecessor.