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The Mamlukes and Ottomans were two races that consecutively assumed control of Lebanon after the occupation of the Crusaders. While the rule of the Mamlukes was short and swift, and Ottomans ruled in Lebanon for a long period of time. Both made their mark on the small country.
The Mamlukes were originally bodyguards of the Muslim sultans of Egypt, who rose as a power themselves after assassinating a sultan. They brought back Islamic rule to Lebanon, after the brief period of the Crusaders reign. Their rule was short and swift, and they spent most of their time in Lebanon fighting with other resurgent powers of the area.
The Ottomans were a different proposition altogether. They were originally slaves to several ruling classes, but rose to power mainly due to their bravery and discipline. Their power was vast in the area, and they occupied major portions of the territory in and around Lebanon. Various tribes infiltrated into Lebanon during various periods of foreign rule, and gradually the Ottomans consolidated their power and dominance in the region.
The rule of the Ottomans in Lebanon was also fraught with tension and battle, with conflicting religious convictions playing a big role in these. The rule of the Ottomans lasted for a long time, but eventually crumbled due to these causes, and Lebanon faced more foreign occupation during and after the First World War.
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