Mamluk–Timur Confrontation

Timeline

1. 1391–1393Samarkand · TransoxianaTimur demanded that the Mamluks recognize his suzerainty and return disputed territories such as Erzurum; Mamluk sultan Barquq flatly refused. Envoys exchanged frequently, and the wording of diplomatic correspondence grew increasingly harsh.
2. 1393–1395Erzurum · East of Lake VanTimur's forces attacked and captured Erzurum and other eastern Anatolian fortresses, which Mamluk reinforcements failed to retake. Their vassals in Armenia, Georgia, and elsewhere became focal points of contention, with small-scale border clashes continuing.
3. 1396–1399Damascus · SyriaBarquq strengthened Syria's defenses and assembled his forces, while Timur turned west after completing his Indian expedition. Espionage and diplomatic activity were frequent, and full-scale war between the two great Islamic powers of West Asia had become inevitable.