In April 15, 1277, the Mamluk Sultan Baibars march from Syria into the Mongol-dominated Seljuk Sultanate of Rûm and attack the Mongol occupation force in the Battle of Elbistan (Abulustayn).

Upon reaching Elbistan with at least 10,000 horseman, Baibars makes ready for battle with the Mongols, expecting them to be around 30,000.

However, although the Mongol forces are smaller than the Mamluk army, the Georgians and Seljuks help boost their numbers.