Al-Ashraf Qansuh al-Ghawri is the second-to-last of the Mamluk Sultans.

One of the last of the Burji dynasty, he reignd from 1501 to 1516.

On the disappearance of Sultan Al-Adil Sayf ad-Din Tuman bay I, it is not until after some days that the choice of the Emirs and Mamluks falls upon Al-Ashraf Qansuh al-Ghawri.

As a Circassian slave, he had served Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qaitbay, had been over forty before he was raised to independence as Emir of ten, and had then been rapidly promoted to command of Tarsus, Aleppo and Malatia, becoming Emir of a thousand, Chamberlain of the Court, and chief Vizier.

At first he declines the throne, but being pressed by the Emirs, who swear faithful service, he at last consents.

Now sixty years of age btu till firm and vigorous, he soon shows the Emirs that he is not to be overruled by any of them.