Imperial Projection Challenged: Espionage and Insurrection as Criminal Threats to the Mamluk Security Blanket The Mamluk Sultanate took pride in its long-term maintenance of order: external with regard to territorial cohesion over Egypt, Syria-Palestine and the Hijaz, and internal with regard to provision of public security and curbing of insurrection in both urban centers and rural hinterlands. Yet in the face of the Sultanate's proclaimed success at upholding order over more than two centuries, the actual roster of events–-as recorded in detail by on-site observers who compiled the lengthy chronicles that are a hallmark of historical writing during the Mamluk period–-deviated sharply from this ideal. This presentation will consider the undercurrent of criticism, and on occasion outright castigation, on the part of the historians who countered the regime's stance as security guardians. Specific examples will include: incidents of espionage, collusion with criminal elements for fiscal gain, and covert support of groups or individuals accused of fomenting religious discord that threatened to provoke riots and violence. The context of motives behind the historians' critical posture will be considered.