Mamluk household leaders and their common followers were distinguished by capitalization.

Evidence

Although all mamluks were technically slaves, there were sharp differences among them. The leaders of the households are referred to as “Mamluks,” and it was these who were the target of the massacre of 1811. Their followers who later joined Mehmed Ali’s service as well as other white slaves who were bought by him and by other dignitaries are referred to as “mamluks.” — Khaled Fahmy, All the Pasha_s Men_ Mehmed Ali, his…, 548

Categorization

Category: Definitional Content

• DEFINE: Clarifies the crucial distinction between household-leader Mamluks and rank-and-file mamluks, which distinguishes massacre targets from those recruited into the new army.

Related

• The 1811 massacre targeted only household leaders, not all mamluks. (similarity 0.96)