Dabiq Halab Syria
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The Mamluk army sets out to meet the Ottoman army, and encamps on August 20, 1516, on the plain of Dabiq, a day's journey north of Halab, awaiting the enemy's approach.
The Ottomans apparently outnumber the Mamluks by a factor of three to one.The Egyptians, except the royal Mamluks whom the Sultan seek to spare, fight well; and at one time the Turkish outlook is so bad that Selim I entertains thoughts of retreat.
In the end, the Ottomans, superior in artillery, gain the day.
Hayır Bey hastens the end by signaling retreat.
The Egyptians are soon in full flight towards Damascus, for the gates of Aleppo are closed against them but the Caliph Al-Mutawakkil III and some chief Emirs go over to the enemy.
Al-Ashraf Qansuh al-Ghawri himself falls on the field of battle and his head was carried to the Ottoman sultan.
Accounts however vary to how Al-Ashraf Qansuh al-Ghawri met his end.
It is said that Hayır Bey had spread the report of his death to precipitate the Egyptian flight.
According to some, the Sultan, felled by a stroke during the battle, had been found alive on the field, and his head cut off and buried to prevent its falling into the enemy's hands.
The Ottoman account is that he was beheaded by a Turk whom Sultan Selim I would have put to death, but afterwards pardoned.