Ibn Iyas

Ibn Iyas (1448 – c. 1522) was an Egyptian historian who is best known for his chronicle of Egyptian history, Bada'i al-Zuhur fi Waqa'i al-Duhur (translated as The Wonders of Flowers in the Events of the Ages). He lived through the late Mamluk period and witnessed the Ottoman conquest of Egypt in 1517.

His full name was Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Iyas al-Hanafi. Very little is known about his personal life. He was reportedly of Circassian origin, though he wrote in Arabic. He belonged to the Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence.

Bada'i al-Zuhur fi Waqa'i al-Duhur is a detailed and comprehensive history of Egypt, particularly focusing on the period from 1425 to 1522. It is valued for its eyewitness accounts of major events, including the reigns of various Mamluk sultans and the dramatic Ottoman invasion led by Sultan Selim I. The chronicle provides valuable insights into the political, social, and economic conditions of Egypt during a turbulent period of transition. It is considered one of the most important primary sources for the study of late Mamluk and early Ottoman Egypt.

Ibn Iyas's writing style is characterized by its vividness and attention to detail. He often included anecdotes, personal observations, and quotations, which bring the historical events to life. His work offers a nuanced perspective on the Mamluk rulers and their administration, as well as the impact of the Ottoman conquest on Egyptian society. His chronicle continues to be a vital resource for historians studying this period of Egyptian history.