Al-Ashraf Khalil

Al-Ashraf Khalil, born in the year one thousand two hundred sixty-three, was a prominent ruler and military commander of the Bahri Mamluk dynasty. He ascended to the throne following the reign of his father, Qalawun, and took on the mantle of leadership on the twelfth of November in the year one thousand two hundred ninety.

During his brief but impactful reign, which lasted until his assassination in December of one thousand two hundred ninety-three, Khalil was celebrated for his military prowess. He is particularly renowned for his successful campaign against the last of the Crusader states in Palestine, culminating in the significant siege of Acre in one thousand two hundred ninety-one.

Tragically, Khalil's life was cut short when he was attacked while walking with a friend. The assailant was Baydara, his commander in chief, who, along with his followers, orchestrated the assassination. Following the incident, Baydara was executed under the orders of Kitbugha, marking a tumultuous end to Khalil's reign.