Mamluks

The Mamluks, a military dynasty based in Egypt, ruled the Land of Israel from 1260–1517. They defeated the Mongols at Ayn Jalut in 1260 and later eliminated the last Crusader strongholds. The region became a province of the Mamluk state, but it was not a major political center. Jewish communities existed in Jerusalem, Safed, Gaza, and other places, though life could be difficult due to poverty, taxes, and instability. Toward the end of this period, Safed began becoming more important for Jewish life.