King Myeongjong of Goryeo vs Qansuh al-Ghawri

After deposing King Uijong, the military leaders installed King Myeongjong, a younger brother, as the new monarch. Myeongjong had no real power; all decisions were made by the military regime, first under Jeong Jung-bu and later under Gyeong Dae-seung.

During Myeongjong's reign, numerous peasant uprisings broke out across Goryeo due to heavy taxation and oppression. The military regime brutally suppressed these revolts, including the major rebellion led by Mang-i and Mang-so-i in 1176.

King Myeongjong's reign saw the rise of the Choe family military dictatorship under Choe Chung-heon. The king remained a figurehead while Choe controlled the government, army, and royal succession. This period established the Choe regime's dominance.

Choe Chung-heon forced King Myeongjong to abdicate in favor of his younger brother, King Sinjong. Myeongjong was exiled to Ganghwa Island. This demonstrated the complete control of the Choe regime over the monarchy.

Qansuh al-Ghawri attempted to modernize the Mamluk army by introducing firearms and training infantry in their use. These reforms faced resistance from traditional Mamluk cavalry elites and were only partially implemented, leaving the army unprepared for the Ottoman threat.

Qansuh al-Ghawri executed the Emir of Dulkadir, a vassal state, for conspiring with the Ottoman Empire. This act alienated other Mamluk vassals and weakened the sultanate's alliances on the eve of the Ottoman invasion.

Qansuh al-Ghawri led the Mamluk army against the Ottoman forces of Selim I at Marj Dabiq near Aleppo. The Mamluks were decisively defeated due to Ottoman artillery and superior tactics. Al-Ghawri was killed during the battle, leading to the collapse of Mamluk control over Syria.